(Ecofin Agency) - There has been no reaction from Niamey since Nigeria announced the reopening of its land borders with Niger.

Following Benin's lead, Nigeria, another strategic trading partner of Niger, declared the reopening of its land borders with the country. This move comes alongside the immediate removal of other restrictions tied to the ECOWAS economic sanctions.

The decision also lifts the flight ban to and from Niger imposed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) at the end of 2023. However, there has yet to be any response from Niamey following the announcement. Similar to the situation with Benin, which reopened its borders the day after the lifting of sanctions, authorities in Niger have kept their border post closed.

Let’s note that Niger shares historic cultural and commercial ties with Nigeria, exporting livestock and agricultural products such as onions primarily. Nigerian ports also supply the landlocked neighbor with essential goods, construction materials, and more. According to data from the UN Comtrade, Nigeria was Niger’s fourth-largest supplier in 2022, accounting for nearly 8% of imports. It was also the third-largest customer, taking in 16% of Niger’s exports.

Since the ECOWAS sanctions took effect at the end of July 2023, Niger has redirected its commercial transactions toward the port of Lomé, which recently introduced preferential taxation, exempting Niger's goods landed at its platform from the statistical levy (1% of the CIF -Cost, Insurance, and Freight- value).

Before Nigeria, Benin also reopened its borders with Niger following the lifting of sanctions. However, the Nigerien authorities have kept their border closed, citing security risks.