President Bola Tinubu has issued an order for the reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger, alongside the immediate lifting of remaining sanctions against the country. This directive was outlined in a statement titled ‘Nigeria opens land and air borders with Republic of Niger, lifts other sanctions.’
The decision by Tinubu follows closely on the heels of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government’s resolution to lift economic and travel sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Guinea during its extraordinary summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
During the summit, ECOWAS leaders reached a consensus to lift economic sanctions against several nations, including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
In alignment with these regional developments, President Tinubu has instructed the immediate lifting of specific sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger, signaling a commitment to fostering stronger regional ties and cooperation.
“President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea,” read a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
“Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.
“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as a freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to the Niger Republic.
“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.
“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.”
“Travel bans on government officials and their family members,” the statement read.