In a significant development, the government of Niger Republic has officially reopened its land border with Nigeria, located in Konni, one week after the Nigeria Customs Service initiated the opening of the Illela border between the two countries.
According to a source, Nuhu Samaila, who provided insights from Konni, Niger Republic, the border was officially declared open at precisely 12 pm on Friday.
Samaila commended the decision made by the leadership of Niger Republic, particularly the military junta, for responding to the people’s demands and facilitating the reopening of the border.
“This is a commendable step taken by the government, finally responding to the collective prayers for the border to reopen. It will undoubtedly contribute to the economic improvement of both countries, fostering increased trade activities between Nigeria and Niger Republic,” he remarked.
The reopening of the land border follows the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria last week, which also saw the restoration of electricity supply to the Republic of Niger.
Previously, on August 3, 2023, The Press had reported the cessation of power supply from Nigeria to Niger as part of sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against Niger. These sanctions were initiated in response to a coup in Niger that ousted President-elect Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Under the leadership of Tinubu, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger, demanding the restoration of constitutional order and condemning Bazoum’s arrest and detention by officers of the Niger Presidential Guard on July 26, 2023.
In line with President Tinubu’s directive to reopen the land border with Niger Republic, the Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service in Kebbi State, Iheanacho Ojike, also reopened the Kamba land border.
During the reopening, Ojike emphasized the strategic significance of the Kamba border, noting its pivotal role in revenue generation for Kebbi State.
