The Republic of Niger has started enforcing new travel restrictions, barring Nigerians from entering the country with ECOWAS passports. Travelers must now present a valid international passport to gain entry.
This policy follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. Despite the border between Nigeria and Niger remaining open, new immigration measures have been introduced at key crossings, such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
Cross border traders and commuters are already feeling the impact, as Nigerien authorities refuse to accept ECOWAS passports as valid identification. Some travelers report being turned back, while others claim they have been forced to pay bribes to enter.
A commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, Abubakar Isa, alleged that Nigerien security officials now demand between 5,000 and 10,000 CFA before allowing those with ECOWAS passports to pass. “If you can’t produce Niger’s new identification document, they will take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe,” he said.
Despite these challenges, trade and movement across the border continue. A trader in Illela, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, confirmed that business remains normal, though there are rumors of potential restrictions on motorcycle movement.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS officials say they are unaware of Niger’s new policy. When contacted, the Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, stated that the regional bloc has not received any official communication on the matter.
Travelers and traders now worry that the situation could escalate, further disrupting trade and movement between the two countries.