By Zailani Mustapha In a significant move aimed at regional cooperation and diplomacy, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate ope...
By Zailani Mustapha
In a significant move aimed at regional cooperation and diplomacy, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate opening of Nigeria's land and air borders with the Republic of Niger. This directive also includes the lifting of various sanctions imposed on Niger, following decisions made by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The directive comes in the wake of the extraordinary summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja, where leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to lift economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
President Tinubu's directive specifically entails the lifting of several sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger. These include:
Closure of Borders: The closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic is to be lifted immediately. Additionally, the ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic will be revoked.
Commercial Transactions: Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, along with the freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic, will be lifted.
Asset Freeze: The freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and commercial banks, as well as assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals, will be lifted.
Financial Assistance: Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD, will be ended.
Travel Bans: Travel bans on government officials and their family members will also be lifted.
In addition to the lifting of sanctions against Niger, President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.
This directive, as articulated by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, underscores Nigeria's commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to decisions made by the ECOWAS Authority. It signifies a positive step towards fostering stronger ties and promoting economic growth and stability within the West African region.
The move is expected to facilitate increased trade, investment, and collaboration between Nigeria and Niger, ultimately benefiting the citizens of both nations and contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the region.
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