President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger. The directive also includes the lifting of a range of economic sanctions imposed on Niger. This decision aligns with the resolutions made by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at an extraordinary summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
In a press release from the State House signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President for Media and Publicity stated that, “During the summit, ECOWAS leaders collectively agreed to lift economic sanctions against several countries, including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. Nigeria’s President has now specifically instructed the lifting of sanctions imposed on Niger.
The sanctions being lifted include the closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger, as well as the no-fly zone for commercial flights to and from Niger. Additionally, the suspension of commercial and financial transactions as well as the freeze on service transactions and utility services, including electricity, will be lifted.
Furthermore, assets of the Republic of Niger that had been frozen in ECOWAS Central Banks will be released, along with the unfreezing of assets held by state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
Nigeria’s President has also authorized the lifting of Niger’s suspension from all financial assistance and transactions with various financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD. Finally, travel bans on government officials and their family members will be lifted.
In addition to the lifting of sanctions against Niger, President Tinubu has approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.
This decision marks a significant development in regional relations and is expected to enhance trade and cooperation among these West African nations. The reopening of borders and the lifting of sanctions will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the economies of Nigeria, Niger, Guinea, and other countries involved.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President for Media and Publicity, announced the decision in the press release. The Nigerian government has not yet commented further on the details of the reopening of borders and the lifting of sanctions, but more information is expected to be provided in the coming days.