The Republic of Niger has started enforcing new travel restrictions, barring Nigerians with ECOWAS passports from entry unless they possess 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 an open border with Nigeria, immigration authorities at key crossings such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger) have begun rejecting the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.
Frequent cross-border travelers, especially traders, are feeling the impact. Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a trader who shuttles between the two countries, confirmed the situation.
“There is an attempt to phase out the ECOWAS passport for travel into Niger. Some of our people have been turned back, and we hear there’s a new Nigerien passport being issued,” he said.
A source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, also disclosed that border officials are strictly enforcing the new rule, making it difficult for traders and travelers without the required documents.
Meanwhile, commercial drivers on the Illela-Konni route have alleged extortion by Nigerien security officials. Abubakar Isa, a driver on the route, claimed that officers demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA as a bribe from ECOWAS passport holders before allowing them to pass.
“They stop vehicles and motorcycles at the border, take travelers to their office, and demand a passport they know we don’t have. Those who fail to produce it are forced to pay before being allowed entry,” he said.
Despite these restrictions, cross-border trade remains largely unaffected. A trader in Illela, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, stated that business activities continue as usual.
“The border is still open on both sides. There are rumors that Niger’s military government may restrict motorcycle movement, but no official decision has been made,” he said.
While Nigerien authorities have not officially confirmed a complete ban on ECOWAS passports, travelers worry the situation could worsen, further disrupting movement and trade.
Reacting to the development, ECOWAS Commission Head of Communication, Joel Ahofodji, said the regional body was unaware of any policy barring ECOWAS passport holders from entering Niger Republic.