Niger Republic Bars Nigerians with ECOWAS Passport, Enforces New Travel Restrictions

The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing restrictions on Nigerians traveling with the ECOWAS passport, barring entry for those without a valid international passport. This development follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.

Despite the continued openness of the border between Nigeria and Niger, immigration authorities have implemented new measures at major crossings such as Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger. Cross-border traders and commuters now face difficulties as Nigerien officials refuse to recognize the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.

Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a trader who frequently travels between the two countries, confirmed the new restrictions. He stated that travelers are being turned back unless they possess Niger’s newly issued identification document. According to Abdullah, traders are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of these measures on business and trade activities.

A source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, also reported that border officials have started rejecting individuals relying solely on the ECOWAS passport. The source indicated that authorities insist on the use of a national passport, complicating movement for traders and travelers alike.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that Nigerien security officials have begun exploiting the situation to extort money from travelers. He claimed that officials demand between 5,000 and 10,000 CFA from those with an ECOWAS passport before allowing them to pass. Travelers who cannot produce the newly required identification document are reportedly taken to the authorities’ office and pressured to pay a bribe before being allowed to proceed.

Despite these developments, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, stated that there has been no immediate impact on trade or movement across the border. He confirmed that business activities remain unaffected and that the border remains open on both sides. However, he acknowledged rumors that Niger’s military junta is considering restrictions on motorcycle movements between the two countries, though no official decision has been announced.

Although the Nigerien government has yet to issue an official statement confirming a complete ban on ECOWAS passports, affected travelers fear that the situation could escalate, further disrupting trade and cross-border movement.

When contacted on Monday, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the regional bloc was unaware of Niger Republic’s new policy restricting ECOWAS passport holders.