Mediaage NG News – ABUJA, Nigeria
Eight months after a military coup there, Nigeria has lifted all economic sanctions imposed on Niger.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate opening of borders, the resumption of commercial flights and the supply of electricity to its neighbours.
Exports including livestock and onions from Niger to Nigeria have dwindled significantly. Border communities have been the most hit, as there is lack of essential commodities.
Last month, the West African regional body, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to lift economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea which have all seen military takeovers in the last two years.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso had earlier announced they would withdraw from Ecowas after the sanctions were imposed.
Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained by the military leaders in Niger since last July’s coup.