Niger Republic turns to Nigerian ports amid diplomatic row with Benin Republic

Niger is turning to Nigerian ports to support its international trade after a prolonged diplomatic dispute with neighbouring Benin Republic disrupted key border routes and restricted access to its traditional trade corridors.

The landlocked West African country is seeking closer cooperation with Nigeria as it looks for alternative routes for legitimate exports and imports. A delegation from Nigerien Customs recently visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja to discuss trade facilitation and Nigeria’s support for Niger’s international trade needs.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdoulaye Vincent, Comptroller of Nigerien Customs in Dosso, called for stronger cooperation between the two countries’ customs authorities to facilitate legitimate trade, increase revenue and ease economic pressure on communities along the border.

Vincent said: “The insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation with Benin Republic, had disrupted trade. We therefore appealed for increased legitimate exports through Kamba to boost revenue and ease economic hardship for communities along the corridor and beyond.”

Relations between Niger and Benin deteriorated sharply following the July 2023 coup in Niger, when the country’s military authorities accused Benin of supporting efforts to destabilise the junta. Benin denied the accusation.

The tensions intensified after Benin President Patrice Talon backed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) position calling for the restoration of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum. Niger subsequently closed its border with Benin, and the closure remained in place even after ECOWAS lifted sanctions against Niger in February 2024. The border dispute has had significant economic consequences for Niger, which is landlocked and had relied heavily on Benin’s Port of Cotonou for international trade.

Relations deteriorated further after a failed coup attempt in Benin in December 2025, amid suspicions among some Beninese that Niger was involved. In the following months, Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani accused former Beninese President Talon, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara of orchestrating an Islamic State attack on Niamey airport. The accused parties have not been reported as accepting those allegations. 

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On Christmas Day in 2025, Tiani also accused Benin of providing a rear base for terrorists. The dispute spilled into diplomatic relations when Benin expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer attached to Niger’s embassy in Cotonou. Niger responded by declaring Benin’s first counsellor in Niamey “persona non grata.”

Economic ties were also affected. Benin blocked oil exports in 2024, while Niger subsequently shut pipeline valves, further straining relations. Security cooperation between the neighbours in the fight against jihadist groups operating in the region also suffered.

Signs of a possible thaw emerged after Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated as Benin’s president on May 24, 2026. The new administration has signalled an intention to rebuild trust with Niger.

Analysts have said the prolonged border closure has become a liability for both countries and that Benin’s new administration could use the opportunity to reopen dialogue. However, significant obstacles remain, including Benin’s close relationship with France, which has been repeatedly criticised by Niger’s military leadership.