In a move to comply with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has directed the lifting of sanctions against the Republic of Niger, effective immediately.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, this directive follows the resolutions made during the ECOWAS extraordinary summit held on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
During the summit, ECOWAS leaders unanimously agreed to lift economic sanctions imposed on several countries, including the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
President Tinubu’s directive encompasses the following measures imposed on Niger:
- The reopening of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger.
- The lifting of the ECOWAS no-fly zone on commercial flights to and from Niger.
- The resumption of all commercial and financial transactions between the two countries.
- The release of frozen assets belonging to the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and commercial banks.
- The restoration of financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, including EBID and BOAD.
- The removal of travel bans on government officials and their families.
Additionally, President Tinubu has authorized the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.
This decision marks a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation and economic integration within the ECOWAS bloc.