- ECOWAS Visa-Free Travel Still Facing Obstacles – Dabiri-Erewa
- Says the ECOWAS passport was created to guarantee seamless movement across member states
- Amadi shared her experience during the two-and-a-half-month journey
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to refocus on removing the barriers still undermining visa-free travel within the sub-region, Eko Hot Blog reports.
She made the call on Friday in Lagos while receiving Nigerian biker, Judith Amadi, who recently completed a historic solo motorcycle journey from Lagos to France and back.
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Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern that despite long-standing agreements on free movement, travellers continue to face harassment and delays at West African borders.
According to her, the ECOWAS passport was created to guarantee seamless movement across member states, yet years after its introduction, many citizens still encounter unnecessary obstacles.
“She was not the first to face these challenges. Others before her have had similar experiences,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “This is an issue that must remain before ECOWAS leaders. We are meant to travel visa-free, and that is the purpose of the ECOWAS passport. These lingering problems along our borders should be addressed collectively by all member countries.”
She noted that while some progress is being made, sustained public attention is needed to ensure lasting solutions.
Speaking earlier, Amadi shared her experience during the two-and-a-half-month journey, which lasted from October 18, 2025 to January 3, 2026. She said her ride exposed the daily struggles Nigerians face when crossing borders within West Africa, particularly holders of the Nigerian green passport.
Amadi explained that repeated border delays, unofficial charges, and excessive stamping requirements significantly slowed her movement through several West African countries. She contrasted this with her experience in Europe, where travelling with a Schengen visa was far more straightforward.
“Moving from one West African country to another with a Nigerian passport was extremely difficult,” she said. “I was often asked to wait while others with different passports passed freely. Beyond official visa fees, there were demands for extra payments for stamping and documentation that are not part of the formal process.”
She also cited poor road infrastructure along major African routes as another major challenge, though she said the journey succeeded in drawing attention to her advocacy cause.
Amadi said the ride was aimed at raising awareness and funds for Nigerians battling cancer, noting that the cost of treatment remains beyond the reach of many families.
“One chemotherapy session costs between N300,000 and N500,000, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Many Nigerians simply cannot afford this, which is why financial support is so important for patients to complete their treatment,” she said.
