A week following the reopening of the Illela land border by the Nigeria Customs Service, the government of Niger Republic reciprocated the gesture by opening its border in Konni for operations. According to Nuhu Samaila, a source from Konni, Niger Republic, the border was officially declared open at 12pm on Friday.
Expressing gratitude, Samaila commended the decision of Niger’s leadership, particularly the military junta, for heeding the calls of the populace and facilitating the border’s reopening. He hailed it as a significant step that would undoubtedly contribute to the economic advancement of both nations, fostering increased trade activities between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
The move by the Federal Government of Nigeria to restore electricity supply to Niger, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to open Nigeria’s borders, further signifies the ongoing normalization of relations between the two countries. Previously, power supply to Niger had been halted as part of sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to political turmoil in Niger, including a coup that led to the arrest and deposition of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s leadership, had imposed sanctions on Niger, demanding the restoration of constitutional order and condemning Bazoum’s detention as illegal. Tinubu’s directive to reopen borders underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and economic cooperation.
In line with the presidential directive, the Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State command, Iheanacho Ojike, reopened the Kamba land border, highlighting its strategic importance in revenue generation for Kebbi State. This reopening further demonstrates Nigeria’s proactive steps towards enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth at the regional level.
