The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing a new travel policy that restricts entry for Nigerians using the ECOWAS passport, allowing only those with a valid international passport.
This development follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. While the country’s border with Nigeria remains open, new immigration measures have been implemented at key crossing points, including Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
Cross-border traders and travelers have raised concerns as Nigerien authorities no longer recognize the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document. Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent traveler between the two countries, confirmed the situation.
“There is an effort to phase out the ECOWAS passport for travel into Niger. Some of our people have already been turned back at the border. We’ve heard that a new passport is now required to replace the ECOWAS document,” he said.
A source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, also reported that border officials are refusing entry to travelers using only the ECOWAS passport. “Authorities now insist on their national passport, making it difficult for traders and commuters,” the source explained.
Commercial drivers on the Illela-Konni route have also alleged that Nigerien security officials are exploiting the situation by extorting travelers. Abubakar Isa, one of the drivers, stated, “They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing those with an ECOWAS passport to pass. If you don’t have the new Nigerien identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe.”
Despite these restrictions, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a trader in Illela, noted that trade and movement across the border remain largely unaffected. “For now, our activities continue as usual, and there is no official closure of the border. However, there are rumors that Niger’s military junta may impose restrictions on motorcycle movement between the two countries,” he said.
While Niger’s government has yet to officially announce a complete ban on ECOWAS passports, travelers fear that stricter measures could further disrupt trade and movement.
When contacted, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the regional body was unaware of Niger’s new policy barring ECOWAS passport holders.