The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing restrictions on Nigerians traveling with the ECOWAS passport, barring entry for those without a valid international passport.
This move follows the country’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, new immigration measures are being implemented at crossings such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger). Cross-border traders and commuters now face difficulties as Nigerien authorities refuse to recognize the ECOWAS passport as a valid means of identification.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a trader who frequently travels between the two countries, confirmed the development.
