The Republic of Niger has started denying entrance to Nigerians who rely solely on the ECOWAS passport without valid international identification.

This came as a result of the new travel restrictions by Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Strict immigration measures are now in place at shared borders between the countries as cross-border traders and commuters are experiencing difficulties.

According to a source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, border officials have started turning back individuals relying solely on the ECOWAS passport.

“Some of our people have already been sent home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travelers,” he explained.

Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that security officials in Niger have begun exploiting the situation to extort travelers.

“They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing those with an ECOWAS passport to pass. If you can’t produce Niger’s new identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe,”

“Once they stop either the vehicle or motorcycle at their border, they take you to their office and make the demand for the passport, which they know we don’t have, they then collect money as bribe before you can be allow to go, “he added.

A trader in Illela, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, confirmed that Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS has had no immediate impact on trade or movement across the border.

“We have continued our normal activities as usual, and there is no sign of an impending closure,” Punch reports.
“The border remains open on both the Nigerian and Nigerien sides. We’ve heard rumours that the military junta in Niger is considering restricting motorcycle movement between the two countries, but for now, nothing concrete has been decided.”

When contacted on Monday, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication ECOWAS Commission, said the regional bloc was unaware of Niger Republic’s policy to bar ECOWAS passport holders.