After three months of a diplomatic face off between northern neighbours Nigeria and Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the reopening of the land and air borders between the two countries.
Following the coup de’ tat that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum last December, Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States slammed sanctions on the ruling junta. However, ECOWAS lifted sanctions on Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic after its meeting on February 24, 2024.
“President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea,” said a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,
“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.
