In a move signaling a thaw in regional tensions, Nigeria has reopened its land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and lifted other economic sanctions imposed following a military coup last year.
The announcement follows the decisions reached during the extraordinary ECOWAS summit held in Abuja on February 24th, 2024. At the summit, regional leaders agreed to lift sanctions on several West African nations, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
President Bola Tinubu issued the directive based on the February 24th, 2024, decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting held in Abuja. The regional bloc agreed to lift economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
This was contained in a press release issued on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity).
Immediate Action:
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate implementation of the following changes:
- Reopening of land and air borders: Movement of people and goods between Nigeria and Niger will resume.
- Resumption of trade and financial transactions: Businesses and financial institutions can once again conduct transactions with their counterparts in Niger.
- Lifting of asset freezes: Previously frozen assets belonging to the Republic of Niger and its entities will be unfrozen.
- Resumption of financial assistance: Niger will regain access to financial support from regional institutions.
- Lifting of travel bans: Government officials from Niger and their families can now travel freely to Nigeria.
Lifting Sanctions on Guinea:
The press release also confirmed the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea. However, it did not provide details on the specific sanctions lifted.
A Move Towards Reconciliation:
The lifting of sanctions by Nigeria signifies a willingness to move forward and engage with Niger through diplomacy. This follows a period of strained relations after the military takeover in Niger last July.
