JUST IN: Nigeria Lifts Sanctions on Niger, Reopens Borders
President Bola Tinubu has directed the reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of other sanctions against the country, Excel Magazine International reports.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the decision, titled ‘Nigeria Opens Land and Air Borders with Republic of Niger, Lifts Other Sanctions.’
Tinubu’s directive follows the recent decision by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to lift economic and travel sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Guinea at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
ECOWAS leaders agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Consequently, President Tinubu has instructed the immediate lifting of several sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger:
“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.
