Following the immediate withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the economic communities of West African countries (ECOWAS), few countries are allowed to visit Nigerian passport holders without a visa.
This will weaken the strength of the country's passport. Globally, the strength of a passport is determined by the number of countries that holders can travel without a visa.
“ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign forces, betrays its foundation's principles and is a threat to its member states and its population,” the joint statement of the three countries read.
The three countries accused local organisations of “impose illegal, illegal, inhuman and irresponsible sanctions” of failing to support the fight against “terrorism and anxiety.”
The Republic of Niger has begun enforcement restrictions on Nigerians traveling with Ekowas passports, except for entry to people without valid international passports.
Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, new immigration measures are being implemented at intersections such as Ilera (Nigeria) and Koni (Niger). Cross-border traders and commuters face difficulties as Nigerian authorities refuse to recognize ECOWAS passports as a valid means of identification.
Stakeholders in the aviation and travel sector say that Mali and Burkina Faso could follow suit, which will affect the movement of Nigerian passport holders both within and outside of these African countries.
Recently, the African Visa Open Index is an index that measures the extent to which African countries are open to visitors from other African countries, and Nigerian passport holders visit without a country offering visas and attacks. We have published a report showing countries that are capable of doing so.
According to the report, the 17 countries that will enter Nigerians without a visa include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabeau Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles and Sierra Leone.
If Mali and Burkina Faso implement new immigration measures against Nigeria as a result of their withdrawal from Ekowas, this will further reduce the strength of Nigerian passports, allowing Nigerian passport holders to visit only 14 countries without a visa. It means that you can do it.
Also Read: Niger implements travel restrictions and rejects ECOWAS passports for Nigerian travelers
Mainstream Cargo Limited CEO Seyi Adewale said the withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS would have a negative impact on Nigerian passport holders.
Adewale said this would be more beneficial for tourism and related activities.
“We know the relationships that have been between us for decades, making Nigerians not easily accessible to our neighbors,” he added.
Sindy Foster, principal managing partner at Avaero Capital Partners, plans to withdraw from ECOWAS and introduce Sahel States (AES) passport alliance, but they are still free He told Businessday that he had not announced travel restrictions. ECOWAS citizen.
For now, Foster said Nigerians may still be able to travel to these countries without a visa, stressing that Ecowas has urged members to continue their freedom of movement between these countries and allow them to be free. did.
However, she said if this changes in the future, travel restrictions will reduce local mobility, weaken the impact on ECOWAS's global mobility negotiations, increase diplomatic stocks and worsen relations.
“It could lead to economic and trade disruptions, security challenges and strengthen political fragmentation in West Africa,” she said.
She suggested that as far as Nigerian passport appeal is concerned, the impact of the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS is likely to be minimal as it depends on a wider range of diplomatic and economic factors.
“AES will undoubtedly try to maintain positive bilateral relations between West Africa's dominant economy and the wider African region. When one door closes, diplomacy and negotiations turn another door. It could open up,” she added.
Obiora Madu, an export consultant and director of the African Supply Centre, previously told Businessday that the ECOWAS exits for Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso generally affect the country and subregion.
“For manufacturers and exporters, that outlet means there's no free flow there. But we're going to see the policies they deploy and the rules they're trying to implement. I have to wait.
Madhu pointed out that it would be first to conclude the outcome of the exit until people see which policies unfold.
