Amidst escalating political tensions between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has imposed a ‘No-Fly Zone’ following the recent ban on Nigerian flights by Niger’s government.
The rift between the neighboring nations deepened when Niger Republic’s government issued a circular, NR 16/A/24GO, dated February 6th, 2024, exclusively banning all flights to and from Nigeria. This move comes as a direct response to Nigeria’s earlier ban on flights from Niger, initiated after the overthrow of Niger’s civilian government by a military junta.
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) reiterated the flight ban, exempting only over-flight aircraft, emergency situations, and special flights. The tension between the two countries further intensified after the military coup in Niger, leading ECOWAS, chaired by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to convene an emergency meeting.
During the meeting, ECOWAS unanimously agreed to enforce a ‘No-Fly Zone’ and close land and air borders with Niger.
The outcome of this meeting included not only the declaration of a ‘No-Fly Zone’ but also the closure of land borders with Niger by ECOWAS member states.
