President Bola Tinubu Orders Reopening of Borders with Niger Republic and Lifts Sanctions

By Milcah Tanimu

In line with the decisions made at the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger. Additionally, he has lifted other sanctions imposed on the country.

The ECOWAS leaders had collectively agreed to lift economic sanctions imposed on several countries, including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

The specific sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger, which have now been lifted, include:

1. Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as the imposition of an ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.
2. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, including the freeze of all service transactions such as utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.
3. 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.
4. Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.
5. Travel bans on government officials and their family members.

Furthermore, President Tinubu has authorized the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.

This decision reflects Nigeria’s commitment to upholding regional agreements and fostering cooperation within the ECOWAS community. It signifies a positive step towards enhancing diplomatic relations and promoting economic stability within the region.