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The Nigerian government has closed its borders with the Republic of Niger due to political unrest caused by a military Junta. This means that Nigerian citizens are restricted from visiting Niger and engaging in any commercial activities that require migration between the two countries. The closure was issued by President Tinubu in line with a decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Nigerian Customs Service, along with other agencies, will enforce the blockade order. President Tinubu has sought support from the Senate for military intervention and other actions against the junta in Niger.
Due to political unrest caused by a military Junta in the Republic of Niger, Nigeria’s Government has decided to close its borders connecting the two West African countries.
With this action, the Nigerian government is preventing its citizens from visiting or engaging in any commercial activities that involve traveling to or from Niger.
Officially announcing the closure of all Nigeria’s land borders with Niger, Acting Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale, made a statement on Friday.
Adewale made the announcement while being in Magamar-Jibia, which is one of Nigeria’s borders with Niger Republic.
According to him, the closure order was issued by President Tinubu in coordination with the decision made by ECOWAS.
Adewale stated that until further notice, there will be no movement of goods between Nigeria and Niger until normalcy is restored in the country.
“My visit to Magamar-Jibia, Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic this afternoon is to announce the total blockade of movements of goods to the Niger Republic through all Nigeria land borders,” the Customs boss said.
“The NCS, along with other agencies, will enforce the blockade order given by President Bola Tinubu, who is also the current Chairman of ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS leaders collectively took the decision against Niger Republic to protest the military coup in the country.”
He also requested the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders at Magamar-Jibia to fully implement the blockade order.
Recalling that President Bola Tinubu had sought Senate support for military intervention against the junta in Niger Republic on Friday.
Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, held a meeting with fellow ECOWAS leaders on Sunday to discuss ways to restore democracy in Niger.
During the meeting, they discussed sanctions to be imposed on the military personnel responsible for the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
The leader of the junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani-led, was considering recalling the Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria after failing to reach an agreement with ECOWAS and Nigerian delegations on the importance of restoring democracy in Niger.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, requested their support for cutting off electricity supply to the country.
The President’s letter stated, “Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic, which led to the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS, under my leadership, condemned the coup and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government to restore peace. ECOWAS convened a meeting and issued a communique.”
Tinubu also sought support for the “military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to ensure compliance of the military junta in Niger if they remain defiant.
“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic, reactivating the border drilling exercise, cutting off electricity supply to Niger Republic, mobilizing international support for the implementation of the ECOWAS communique.”
The letter also mentioned “preventing the operation of commercial and special flights to and from Niger Republic, blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports.”
Tinubu informed the Senate that the country would initiate a sensitization campaign on social media to emphasize the importance of these actions to Nigerians and Nigeriens.
