After ECOWAS exit, Niger imposes travel ban on Nigerians with regional passport

The Nigerien government has restricted Nigerian travelers holding ECOWAS passports.

This decision to block Nigerians with ECOWAS passports follows Niger's recent withdrawal from the West African regional bloc.

Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, exited ECOWAS after military governments took control in their respective countries.

Efforts to negotiate a return to civilian rule have failed, as their withdrawal was ratified during an ECOWAS meeting in January, paving the way for the three nations to establish their own union and trade agreements.

The exit of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, initially announced on January 29, 2024, officially took effect on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in accordance with ECOWAS regulations.

Niger's border restrictions take effect

A few days ago, reports emerged that Niger has started turning back Nigerians travelling with ECOWAS passports at its borders.

Although the Nigerien government has not issued an official statement, travelers have informed reliable sources of the development.

According to Daily Trust, cross-border traders and commuters are now facing significant challenges as Nigerien authorities no longer recognize the ECOWAS passport as a valid travel document.

The platform reports that an immigration officer at the Jibia/Magama border in Katsina State confirmed the development via a phone call.

Speaking under anonymity, the officer revealed that Nigerien authorities had begun enforcing the restriction.

Another trader who spoke to The Punch also confirmed the incident.

Mansur Abdullah, a frequent trader between the two countries, corroborated the development stating that traders without a valid international passport are being turned back at Niger's border crossings.

As a result, cross-border traders and commuters are experiencing severe difficulties.

Punch quoted him as saying:

"I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of traveling here. They have started harassing us when we try to enter the country. Some of our people are being turned back home. We learned that a new passport is now being issued to replace the old ECOWAS passport for anyone traveling to Niger."

AES move to issue new passports

The bloc, now known as the Alliance for Sahel States (AES), has started the production of its own passports.

Previously, member nations-Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger-used ECOWAS passports. However, following their withdrawal from the regional bloc, the group has replaced ECOWAS passports with a new travel document that reflects their current status.

The AES introduced the new biometric passports for its member states on January 29, 2025. This move is part of the alliance's broader efforts to sever ties with ECOWAS and establish an independent identity.

Citizens of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso will be able to exchange their ECOWAS passports for the new AES-branded documents. The biometric passport aims to streamline travel within the alliance and standardize travel documentation across the region.

Challenges for AES passport holders

However, as AES establishes its own travel framework, citizens of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso may face significant challenges when traveling to ECOWAS countries.

These obstacles could affect economic activities, trade, and personal mobility, highlighting the potential consequences of the region's geopolitical realignment.

Without recognition of the AES passport, they could be required to obtain visas, leading to delays and stricter immigration checks at borders.

The loss of ECOWAS membership may also strip them of free movement, residency, and work rights, making it harder to live or conduct business within member states.

Cross-border trade could suffer as new tariffs and customs regulations take effect, while financial transactions, banking access, and transportation services may become more complicated.

According to The Punch, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, said the Commission was unaware of Niger Republic's policy to bar ECOWAS passport holders.