The Republic of Niger has instituted new immigration restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens traveling into the country.
These regulations require travelers to present a valid international passport for entry and prohibit the use of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passports. This policy shift follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the ECOWAS, a move that has also been undertaken by Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite the continued open border between Nigeria and Niger, travelers and cross-border merchants are encountering significant difficulties at primary crossing points, including Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
A trader identified as Alhaji Musa Abdullahi expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of the new regulations. He stated, “There appears to be a concerted effort to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of travel to this country; we are experiencing harassment upon our entry.”
He remarked that some individuals have been denied entry, citing the implementation of a new passport system for all those entering Niger. He noted, “Many are apprehensive about the ramifications of these changes, which have begun to adversely influence our business and trading activities.”
A source from Taiwan, a region in Niger Republic, reported that border officials have commenced turning away individuals who possess only the ECOWAS passport. “Several individuals have already been returned home. The authorities are insisting on a national passport, complicating matters for traders and travelers,” the source indicated.
Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver operating on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that security officials in Niger have begun to exploit the situation to solicit bribes from travelers. “They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA from those presenting an ECOWAS passport to pass through. If an individual cannot provide Niger’s new identification document, they are taken to an office where they are pressured to pay a bribe.”
Isa added, “Upon being stopped at the border, individuals are taken to an office and required to present their passports, which they know many do not possess; subsequently, they request a bribe for passage.”
Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, confirmed that Niger's withdrawal from ECOWAS has not had an immediate impact on trade or movement across the border. He stated, “Our operations have continued as usual, and there is no indication of an impending closure.”
He further observed, “The border remains operational on both the Nigerian and Nigerien sides. We have heard rumors regarding potential restrictions on motorcycle movement between the two nations; however, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.”
Joel Ahofodji, the Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, informed Punch in a discussion regarding the situation that the regional bloc had not been informed of the Niger Republic’s policy to deny entry to holders of ECOWAS passports.