The government of Niger Republic has begun enforcing new immigration restrictions on Nigerian travellers, barring entry for those using the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passport without a valid international passport.
The restriction was sequel to Niger’s recent withdrawal from the ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso following a military take over power in the countries.
Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, Nigerien authorities have tightened immigration measures at key crossings, including Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger.
Cross-border traders and commuters are facing significant difficulties as border officials now refuse to recognise the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent cross-border trader, also confirmed the new restrictions.
“I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of travel here. They have started harassing us when we try to enter the country,” newsmen quoted Abdullah as saying.
Abdullah added, “Some of our people are being turned back home. We learned that a new passport is being issued to replace the old ECOWAS passport.
“Many of us are worried about how this will affect our businesses and trading activities.”
Reports from Taiwan, a region in Niger Republic, indicated that border officials have begun turning back travellers who rely solely on the ECOWAS passport.
“Some of our people have already been sent home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travelers,” a source reportedly said.
Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, reportedly alleged that Nigerien security officials are taking advantage of the situation to extort travelers.
Isa claimed, “They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing those with an ECOWAS passport to pass.
“If you can’t produce Niger’s new identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe.”
He added, “Once they stop a vehicle or motorcycle at the border, they take you to their office and ask for the passport they know we don’t have. Then they demand a bribe before allowing us to proceed.”
However, some traders insisted that Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS has not yet severely impacted trade or movement across the border.
Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, stated, “We have continued our normal activities as usual, and there is no sign of an impending closure.
Abubakar was quoted as saying, “The border remains open on both the Nigerian and Nigerien sides.
“We’ve heard rumors that the military junta in Niger is considering restricting motorcycle movement between the two countries, but for now, nothing concrete has been decided.”
Although the Nigerien government has not officially announced a complete ban on ECOWAS passports, travellers fear that the situation could deteriorate further, disrupting trade and movement across the border.
