Niger Republic has stopped accepting the ECOWAS passport from Nigerians trying to enter its territory, creating new hurdles for cross-border traders and travelers.
This development comes after Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States. While the border with Nigeria remains open, stricter immigration measures are now in place at key crossings such as Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger.
An immigration officer at the Jibia/Magama border in Katsina State confirmed on Tuesday that Nigerien authorities had begun turning back Nigerians with the ECOWAS passport and travel certificate. He added that Nigerian immigration officials are yet to impose similar restrictions on Nigerien citizens, pending further instructions.
The ECOWAS passport and travel certificate previously allowed seamless movement among member states. With Niger no longer recognizing them, affected travelers worry that these restrictions may disrupt trade and movement between both countries.
The ECOWAS Commission said on Monday that it was unaware of the new policy, raising concerns about the future of regional travel agreements.
Reported by Daily Trust.
