President Bola Tinubu has instructed the immediate reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger, as well as the lifting of other sanctions against the country. This directive, issued in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, comes as a result of the last extraordinary summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, the ECOWAS leaders at the Summit agreed to lift economic sanctions against several countries including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. Consequently, President Tinubu directed the lifting of various sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger:
– Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
– ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.
– Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger.
– Freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.
– Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and commercial banks.
This move signifies Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to decisions made by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. It is expected to facilitate the resumption of normal economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, contributing to enhanced regional stability and cooperation.G Directs Immediate Opening of Nigeria’s Land, Air Borders with Niger Republic