Niger Republic now bars Nigerians with ECOWAS passports from entry, enforcing new travel restrictions following its withdrawal from the bloc
The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing new travel restrictions on Nigerians, barring entry for those carrying the ECOWAS passport without a valid international passport.
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This development follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite the continued open border between Nigeria and Niger, immigration authorities at key crossing points, such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger), are now refusing to recognise the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.
This has created significant challenges for cross-border traders and commuters who rely on the previously accepted regional travel document.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent trader on the Nigeria-Niger route, confirmed the situation, stating that authorities have begun rejecting the ECOWAS passport.
“I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of travelling here; they have started harassing us if we are entering the country. Some of our people are being turned back home,” he said.
According to reports from Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, border officials have begun denying entry to travellers relying solely on the ECOWAS passport.
Instead, they insist on a new national passport, which many Nigerian traders and commuters do not possess.
“Some of our people have already been sent home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travellers,” a source explained.
In addition to the restrictions, some travellers allege that Nigerien security officials are taking advantage of the situation to extort money from those attempting to enter with an ECOWAS passport.
Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, claimed that border officers demand bribes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing ECOWAS passport holders 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,” Isa alleged.
Despite the immigration challenges, trade between Nigeria and Niger appears unaffected for now.
Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, stated that business operations and movement across the border remain normal.
“We have continued our normal activities as usual, and there is no sign of an impending closure. The border remains open on both the Nigerian and Nigerien sides,” he confirmed.
However, rumours persist that Niger’s military junta may soon impose further restrictions, including limitations on motorcycle movement between the two countries.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has yet to officially respond to Niger’s new travel policy.
When contacted, the Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, stated that the regional body was unaware of Niger’s decision to bar ECOWAS passport holders from entry.
