President Bola Tinubu has issued directives for the immediate reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger, along with the removal of other sanctions against the country. This decision aligns with the resolutions made by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its Extraordinary Summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
In a statement by the President’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, it was highlighted that ECOWAS leaders had collectively agreed to lift economic sanctions imposed on several countries, including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
President Tinubu’s directives encompass not only the lifting of the suspension on all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger but also the unfreezing of service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic. Furthermore, the President has instructed the removal of the freeze on assets of the Republic of Niger held in ECOWAS Central Banks.
The statement clarified, “Travel bans on government officials and their family members also stand lifted.” This diplomatic gesture extends beyond Niger to the Republic of Guinea, as President Tinubu has ordered the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against Guinea, fostering a renewed atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration within the ECOWAS region.
