Travellers from Nigeria are facing new entry restrictions into Niger Republic, as authorities now require a valid international passport, effectively banning the use of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passports for entry.
The move follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, signalling a shift in regional travel policies.
While the border remains open, the new rule is already causing difficulties, especially for cross-border traders at major entry points like Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
According to Punch, a trader, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, expressed concerns over the restriction, stating that some Nigerians have been denied entry.
“I suspect they are phasing out the ECOWAS passport, as we are now facing harassment at the border.
“Some of us have already been turned back, and we hear there is a new passport being introduced in Niger to replace the ECOWAS one,” he said.
A source from Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, confirmed that border officials have begun refusing entry to individuals carrying only the ECOWAS passport.
“Some travellers have already been sent back. Authorities now insist on their national passport, making cross-border trade more difficult,” the source explained.
Additionally, Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, accused Nigerien security officials of exploiting the situation to extort travellers.
“They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing those with an ECOWAS passport to pass.
“If you don’t have Niger’s new identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe,” Isa alleged.
However, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, Nigeria, stated that trade and movement across the border remain unaffected for now.
“Our business activities continue as usual, and there is no sign of a border closure.
“We have heard that the Nigerien military government might restrict motorcycle movement between both countries, but nothing official has been announced,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, said the regional body is unaware of Niger’s decision to stop accepting ECOWAS passports.
