Niger Republic has imposed new entry restrictions on Nigerians, rejecting the ECOWAS passport and requiring a valid international passport instead.
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The new measure is being enforced at key border crossings, including Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger). While the land border remains open, travelers using ECOWAS passports report being turned back or harassed by Nigerien authorities.
This follows Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, signaling a shift in regional policies.
A trader confirmed that Niger is phasing out the ECOWAS document, leaving many stranded at the border. Unverified reports suggest that Niger has introduced a national passport to replace the ECOWAS-issued one.
Meanwhile, commercial drivers and traders allege that security officials are taking advantage of the situation by demanding bribes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 CFA from those attempting to enter with ECOWAS passports.
Nigerian traders and cross-border commuters worry that further measures could disrupt trade and movement between the two neighboring countries.
