CGI directs immediate adherence to presidential order on border reopening

The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Kemi Nandap, has ordered immediate prosecution of President Tinubu’s order that Nigeria’s borders with the Niger Republic be reopened with immediate effect.

Immigration spokesman, Kenneth Kure, an Assistant Comptroller who made the disclosure, noted that, “Following the directive from the Federal Government of Nigeria to reopen borders between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, has issued a directive to all Comptrollers stationed at States and Border Commands along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border, to promptly ensure strict compliance and lift restrictions on human movements.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service assures the public of its unwavering dedication to facilitating safe and orderly border crossings while upholding the integrity and security of Nigeria’s borders.”

President Bola Tinubu had directed the immediate re-opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu also directed the immediate lifting of other sanctions against the country.

The statement further explained that the President’s directives were in compliance with the resolution of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its last extraordinary meeting in Abuja.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu has directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger and the lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

“This directive is in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.

“ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“The President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately: Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and the Niger Republic, as well as the ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from the Niger Republic.