The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing new immigration restrictions on Nigerians traveling with the ECOWAS passport, barring entry for those without a valid international passport.
This move follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, new immigration measures are being implemented at crossings such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
Cross-border traders and commuters now face difficulties as Nigerien authorities refuse to recognize the ECOWAS passport as a valid means of identification.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a trader who frequently travels between the two countries, confirmed the development. He said, “I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of traveling here; they have started harassing us if we are entering the country.”
Some travelers have reported being turned back at the border, and there are concerns that the situation could worsen, disrupting trade and movement across the border.
Security officials in Niger have also been accused of exploiting the situation to extort travelers, demanding bribes to allow passage.
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