The border between Niger and Nigeria has reopened to road traffic on Friday, seven months after it was closed due to a military coup in Niamey.
The closure followed sanctions imposed on Niger by West African leaders over the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. Road traffic has resumed in both directions, with customs officers back on duty.
Nigeria had previously ordered the immediate reopening of the frontier, but Niger kept its side closed until now. The reopening comes with reinforced security measures and checks, according to Niger’s interior ministry.
This move is seen as excellent news by communities along the border, particularly in regions like Zinder, Tahoua, Maradi, Dosso, and Diffa, which heavily rely on trade with Nigeria.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently lifted sanctions imposed after the July 26 coup, facilitating the resumption of various services between the two countries.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also called for the reopening of land and air borders, as well as the lifting of asset freezes and travel restrictions. While electricity supplies from Nigeria have already resumed, Niger has yet to reopen its border with Benin, its main access point to the sea.
