Africa

Niger Republic rejects ECOWAS passport, bars Nigerians from entry

Niger Republic rejects ECOWAS passport, bars Nigerians from entry

The Republic of Niger has implemented new restrictions on Nigerians travelling with the ECOWAS passport, now barring entry for those with the travel document.

The move is coming after Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

While Niger maintains an open border with Nigeria, new immigration measures are being enforced at key border crossings, including Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger.

Cross-border traders and commuters are now facing significant challenges as the Nigerien authorities no longer recognise the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.

READ ALSO:

In a phone interview with an immigration officer at the Jibia/Magama Border in Katsina State late Tuesday, the officer who pleaded anonymity as he was not authorized to speak on the issue, confirmed that Nigerien authorities had begun enforcing the ban.

“They no longer recognise Nigerians travelling into Niger Republic holding the ECOWAS Travel Certificate (ETC) or ECOWAS passport as of this morning (Tuesday),” he said.

The officer also mentioned that Nigerian immigration authorities are not yet applying the same restrictions to Nigerien citizens, waiting for further directives from higher authorities to fully implement the measures.

The ECOWAS Travel Certificate (ETC) and ECOWAS passport are travel documents that allow holders to move freely among the member countries of ECOWAS.

Although no official communication from the Nigerien government yet, affected travellers fear that the situation could worsen, disrupting trade and movement across the border.

Niger Republic rejects ECOWAS passport, bars Nigerians from entry

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting

DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti's attendance at IPU meeting Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies have…

2 hours ago

Why we awarded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to Hitech – Dave Umahi

Why we awarded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to Hitech – Dave Umahi The Federal Government has explained why…

2 hours ago

US strikes in Yemen kill 31 as Trump vows to end Huthi attacks

US strikes in Yemen kill 31 as Trump vows to end Huthi attacks The first US…

2 hours ago

Corps member alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu gov’t

Corps member alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu gov’t A corps member serving in Lagos…

2 hours ago

Navy seizes 13,800 litres of petrol, 71 bags of foreign rice in Lagos

Navy seizes 13,800 litres of petrol, 71 bags of foreign rice in Lagos The Nigerian…

2 hours ago

Nigerian govt planning to arrest me – Natasha

Nigerian govt planning to arrest me - Natasha Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has claimed…

2 hours ago