WEST AFRICA – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have imposed a 0.5% levy on imported goods from Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations, marking a major shift in regional trade policies.
The measure, aimed at funding a new regional bloc following their exit from ECOWAS, took immediate effect, according to an official statement issued on Friday.
Naija News reports that the levy applies to all imported goods except humanitarian aid.
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While the exact allocation of the funds remains unclear, officials stated that the revenue would support the activities of the emerging economic union formed by the three nations.
The decision effectively ends the free trade agreement that had been in place under ECOWAS for decades. Trade analysts suggest this move could have significant implications for commerce across West Africa.
“This levy signals a deeper economic divide within the region,” a trade expert told Naija News.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all under military rule following coups in 2023, had previously established the Alliance of Sahel States as a security pact.
Over time, the alliance expanded into an economic coalition with ambitions for military and financial integration.
Truth Live News gathered Plans for biometric passports are also underway as part of their broader strategy to build a self-sustaining regional bloc.
The three nations officially withdrew from ECOWAS last year, accusing the bloc of failing to provide adequate support against Islamist insurgencies and security challenges.
In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including economic and political restrictions, to pressure them to restore constitutional governance.
However, the sanctions have had little impact, as the countries continue to solidify their alliance and push forward with their independent regional agenda.