Days after the Nigerian government reopened the Nigeria-Niger Republic land and air borders, Nigerien authorities have not issued a statement, even as they maintained that their entry points are closed.
Recall that Nigeria announced the reopening of its borders with Niger Republic recently.
Though security operatives like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have eased movement along border communities, their counterparts in Niger Republic are still adamant.
This is as residents of border areas, on the Nigerian side, expressed optimism that with Tinubu’s directive to reopen the borders with Niger Republic, life would be easier for them and their neighbours, especially in the area of trading.
Tinubu’s directive aligns with the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS’) Authority of Heads of State and Government at its Extraordinary Summit on February 24, 2024 in Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Kemi Nandap, had in a follow-up to what Tinubu said, directed that restrictions on movement at Nigeria-Niger borders be lifted.
The directive was given by Nandap through a statement signed by the acting Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Kenneth Kure recently in Abuja.
Nandap directed all comptrollers stationed at states and border commands along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border to comply on time and lift all restrictions on human movement.
The border closure was part of sanctions to bring back democratic order after the military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger Republic.
Both two countries heavily relied on each other for economic and social activities, among others.
The Niger–Nigeria border is 1,608 kilometres and it stretches from Sokoto through Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno states.
