President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement additional financial penalties against Niger Republic. This decision comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) set a deadline for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Tinubu has also instructed the CBN to extend these sanctions to senior government officials from Niger who have not complied with ECOWAS demands. President Bazoum was recently overthrown and detained by senior military officers, leading to concerns from ECOWAS leaders who threatened potential military intervention unless democratic governance is restored.
Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for Tinubu, announced Nigeria’s latest sanctions. Ngelale clarified that these actions are in accordance with ECOWAS protocols and decisions, emphasizing that they aren’t unilateral actions taken by Tinubu alone.
Ngelale explained that the sanctions are based on the consensus resolution of all ECOWAS members and heads of state against the military junta in Niger Republic. He highlighted that these sanctions were mandated by the ECOWAS authority and were not a decision of the Nigerian government alone.
Ngelale pointed out that President Tinubu, as the ECOWAS chairman and President of Nigeria, is acting in line with the authority provided by ECOWAS resolutions. He stated that the intention is to prevent the narrative from being framed as a conflict between Nigeria and its neighbor, Niger.
Tinubu has engaged in extensive consultations both internationally and domestically, discussing the situation in Niger Republic, particularly with state governors from Nigerian states bordering Niger.
Furthermore, Ngelale mentioned that Nigeria will host an extraordinary summit of ECOWAS leaders to discuss the next steps after the expiration of the deadline given to the military junta in Niger Republic.