The Republic of Niger has introduced stricter immigration measures, requiring Nigerians to present valid international passports for entry, even when traveling with ECOWAS passports. This development follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite maintaining open borders with Nigeria, immigration officials have intensified checks at key crossings, including Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger. Cross-border travelers, particularly traders, are grappling with the new restrictions as border officers now reject the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent cross-border trader, voiced concerns about the potential phasing out of the ECOWAS passport. “Many traders are being turned away, and there’s talk of a new passport replacing the ECOWAS one,” Abdullah explained, noting the uncertainty surrounding trade activities in the region.
Reports from Taiwan, a region in Niger, confirm that travelers without Nigerien national passports are being denied entry. Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that some security officials exploit the situation by demanding bribes. “They ask for between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA from travelers without the new passport,” Isa said, adding that those who refuse are often taken to an office for further pressure.
Despite these hurdles, trade has not yet suffered significantly, according to Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela. “Business is ongoing, but we’re hearing rumors about possible restrictions on motorcycle movement between the two countries,” he said.
While Nigerien authorities have yet to issue an official statement banning the ECOWAS passport, the growing uncertainty has left many travelers anxious about potential disruptions in cross-border movement and trade.
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