Travellers from Nigeria are increasingly subject to extortion, intimidation, and violence at the borders of the Niger Republic. Even people with legal passports are subject to large bribe demands from Security personnel, sometimes reaching 20,000 CFA (about ₦50,000). Malians and Burkinabe are among the other African countries who purportedly pay much lesser rates. Ineffective communication can result in some Nigerian travellers having their items confiscated, while others are forced to pay lesser bribes at several unofficial checkpoints during their journey. According to businesspeople, like as traders and transport providers, these problems are getting worse since Niger left ECOWAS, which has an effect on travel and trade.
Former Nigerian diplomats have called on the Federal Government to intervene, proposing retaliatory actions such deporting Nigeriens without ECOWAS passports or even diplomatic intervention through the African Union. While some contend that Niger’s new regional alliance has repositioned Nigeria as an outsider, others blame dishonest border authorities. Since Niger has not formally notified the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) of the revised entrance regulations, the NIS is looking into the situation. According to reports, in order to combat prejudice against its nationals, the Nigerian government is developing a new reciprocity-based visa structure.
Rejection of ECOWAS passports is one of Niger’s new border regulations.
In recent times, the Republic of Niger has implemented new border regulations that have a big effect on Nigerian tourists. The rejection of ECOWAS passports is one of these steps, which essentially prevents Nigerians without legitimate foreign passports from entering the country. After Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS in January 2024 to join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in an effort to assert more autonomy and lessen perceived foreign influence, this policy change was made.
Although there are few formal pronouncements from Nigerien officials explicitly explaining the rationale behind these new border rules, the actions seem to be motivated by a desire for greater sovereignty and a broader geopolitical realignment. The border between Niger and Nigeria has historically served as a hub for thriving cross-border trade, particularly in agricultural products including rice, millet, sorghum, and maize. Research has indicated that both official and informal regulations have impacted cross-border Trade between these countries. For example, studies show that due to extra transaction costs and border controls, prices for agricultural products might vary by as much as 20–25% across the border.
Niger has not formally communicated the new policy.
These expenses are frequently lessened when trading communities, like the Hausa, who live on both sides of the border, have similar ethnic links. Current government representatives in Nigeria have voiced concerns about how Nigerian tourists are being treated in light of the changing circumstances. In response to complaints of extortion and harassment at the borders of Nigerien, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has opened investigations. According to a senior NIS official who wished to remain anonymous, Niger has not formally communicated the new policy, despite the fact that such disclosures are required by regular diplomatic procedures.
“They are supposed to notify us if they are not going to accept our papers,” the official said. However, as of right now, there has been no notification to that effect. This demonstrates how determined the Nigerian administration is to resolve the matter diplomatically. A number of diplomatic and policy measures might be taken into consideration to address the current issues. High-level diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and Niger can be started to address shared issues, with the goal of repairing cordial ties and guaranteeing the protection of citizens’ rights when travelling across borders.
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Resolving problems with border rules and trade laws can be facilitated by updating current bilateral agreements to reflect the geopolitical environment. Despite political realignments, ECOWAS can mediate talks between member and non-member governments to promote collaboration because it is a regional organisation. Cross-border encounters can be made more seamless and harassment can be decreased by informing citizens about new travel regulations and offering help in acquiring the required paperwork. Given Nigeria and Niger’s longstanding socioeconomic and cultural ties, putting these solutions into practice calls for cooperation. Navigating the challenges brought on by recent policy changes requires respectful communication and cooperation.