The Republic of Niger has begun using ECOWAS passports to implement new travel restrictions on Nigerians, denializing entry to people without valid international passports. The decision follows Niger's recent withdrawal from the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) along with Mali and Burkina Faso.
The border with Nigeria is still open, but more stricter immigration measures are now being introduced at intersections like Ilera (Nigeria) and Koni (Niger). As a result, cross-border traders and commuters are experiencing difficulties as Nigerian authorities do not recognize ECOWAS passports as a valid form of identification.
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Mansoor Abdullah, a trader who travels frequently between the two countries, confirmed the development.
“I think there's a move to abolish Ecowas passports as a way to travel here. If we're in, they've started harassing us,” Panch reports.
“Some of our people are back home. We have learned that new passports have been issued to everyone who comes to the Republic of Niger, replacing the old Ecowas passport.
“Some of our people are scared of the aftermath of all these issues.
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According to sources in Taiwan, the province of the Republic of Niger, border authorities have relied solely on ECOWAS passports to start turning back individuals.
“Some of our people have already been sent home. Authorities claim their own national passports, making it difficult for traders and travelers,” he explained.
Abubakar Isa, commercial driver for the Ilera Kolni Route, alleged that security officials in Niger have begun to misuse the situation to force travelers.
“They will request 5,000-10,000 CFA before passing anyone with an ECOWAS passport. If they are unable to create a new identification document for Niger, they will take you to their office and have them bribe. I put pressure on you to pay.”
“If they stop either the vehicle or motorcycle at their border, they will take you to their office and make a passport request that we know we don't have, they will be you He collects money as a bribe before he can go, “He added.
Irela trader Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar confirmed that Niger's withdrawal from ECOWAS had no immediate impact on cross-border trade and movements.
“We have been doing our usual routine as usual, but there are no signs of an immediate closure,” Punch reports.
“The borders remain open on both Nigeria and Nigeria sides. I've heard rumors that the Nigerian junta is considering limiting the movement of motorcycles between the two countries, but for now, , nothing has been decided.”
When contacted on Monday, Joel Ahofoj, director of the Communications ECOWAS Committee, said the regional bloc was unaware of the Republic of Niger's policy to ban Ecowas passport holders.
