JUST IN: Tinubu Ends Niger Sanctions, Reopens Trade Routes

Following the directives of the ECOWAS summit, President Bola Tinubu announced the immediate reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.

The decision comes after ECOWAS leaders agreed on February 24th, 2024, to lift economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

For Niger specifically, Nigeria has now reversed its sactions to allow the resumption of commercial flights and cross-border trade and travel.

Financial transactions, utility services, and assets that were previously frozen have also been reinstated.

In a press statement, presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, stated: “The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately:

“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 freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to 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.”