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Illela, Sokoto State – The Republic of Niger has begun implementing strict entry restrictions on Nigerians touring with the ECOWAS passport, denying entry to these with out a legitimate worldwide passport.
This improvement follows Niger’s current withdrawal from the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. Regardless of holding its borders open with Nigeria, the nation has launched new immigration measures at main crossing factors comparable to Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger), considerably impacting cross-border merchants and commuters.
Vacationers Face Harassment and Restrictions
Nigerien border officers have reportedly stopped recognizing the ECOWAS passport as a legitimate journey doc. Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent dealer between Nigeria and Niger, confirmed the crackdown, stating:
“There’s a transfer to abolish the ECOWAS passport for journey right here. Our individuals are being harassed, and a few have been turned again house. We’ve realized {that a} new passport is now being issued for entry into Niger Republic, changing the ECOWAS passport.”
A supply in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, additional revealed that border officers have began turning away vacationers who fail to current Niger’s new identification doc.
“The authorities insist on their very own nationwide passport, making it troublesome for merchants and vacationers. A few of our folks have already been despatched house,” the supply disclosed.
Bribery and Extortion on the Border
Past journey restrictions, studies of bribery and extortion by Nigerien safety officers have surfaced. Abubakar Isa, a industrial driver on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that vacationers with solely an ECOWAS passport are being pressured to pay bribes starting from 5,000 to 10,000 CFA earlier than being allowed entry.
“In case you don’t have Niger’s new passport, they take you to their workplace and stress you to pay a bribe earlier than permitting you to move,” Isa claimed.
Influence on Commerce and Border Actions
Regardless of the restrictions, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a dealer in Illela, famous that commerce and motion stay unaffected for now, with no official closure of the border.
“Our actions proceed as regular, and there’s no signal of an entire border shutdown. Nevertheless, there are rumors that Niger’s army junta may limit motorbike actions between the 2 nations quickly,” he acknowledged.
ECOWAS Unaware of Niger’s Journey Coverage
When contacted, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication on the ECOWAS Fee, acknowledged that the regional bloc was unaware of Niger Republic’s resolution to bar ECOWAS passport holders from entry.
The scenario has raised considerations amongst Nigerian merchants and cross-border commuters, as additional restrictions may disrupt commerce and motion between the 2 neighboring nations.
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