The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately
President Bola Tinubu has resolved to open land and air borders with Republic of Niger, directing that the order should be effected immediately.
Nigeria’s closure of land and air borders with Republic of Niger had been in effect for a significant period, impacting cross-border trade and relations between the two countries.
The reasons for the border closure were primarily centered around security concerns and the need to curb illicit activities, including smuggling and illegal migration.
However, this prolonged closure also had adverse effects on legitimate trade and economic activities, prompting a reassessment of the measures in place— which the president has today deemed its necessary to open the land and air borders with Republic of Niger.
Consequently, to continue trades between Nigeria and Niger Republic, president Tinubu also directed other sanctions against the country to be lifted.
This directive is in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja, reported the State House Media.
The Nigerian government decision before the open land and air borders with Republic of Niger had, however, resulted in harsh economic challenges for the citizens of Niger Republic, as well as Nigerians living in this country and at its border axis with Nigeria.
“ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately:
“Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.
“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.
“Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.
“Travel bans on government officials and their family members.
President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.
What this means
How Nigeria’s open air and land borders with Republic of Niger can help drive economic activities between the two countries, including other ECOWAS member states
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been a key driver of regional integration and economic cooperation in West Africa.
Nigeria, as one of the leading members of ECOWAS, today made a significant decision to open its land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.
This move marks a pivotal moment in the regional dynamics, as Nigeria’s open air and land borders with the country has far-reaching implications for trade, diplomacy, and regional stability.
The importance of open land and air borders extends to the wider ECOWAS community, beyond the immediate implications for Nigeria and Niger.
Both countries can now see that the border closure underline the vital need for regional cooperation and stability as ECOWAS membership offers countries access to larger markets and opportunities for economic relations and development, facilitating a conducive environment for sustainable growth.
