Abdallah Issa is a young Nigerian resident in the city of Niamey. His activity is the retail sale of fabric. His merchandise is imported from Nigeria. But since the coup d’Etat in Niger, his trade seems to be threatened. Dialogue Migration met Abdallah Issa from the Nouveau Marché district in the city of Niamey. Dialogue Migration collected the concerns of the young trader on the impact of ECOWAS sanctions following the military takeover on his activity.

Niamey a new opportunity for Abdallah Issa

With a smile on his face while standing on his bicycle, black-dyed Abdallah Issa from Kebbi State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria walks from neighborhood to neighborhood in Niamey to sell his merchandise consisting mainly of fabrics. Here in Niamey, in the New Market district, Abdallah Issa is well known because he worked as a tailor upon arrival. “When I arrived in Niamey, I worked as a fashion designer. Subsequently, I changed jobs to devote myself to selling fabrics because it is more profitable for me,” explains Abdallah with a smile. Abdallah Issa has forged a relationship with tailoring workshops in the city of Niamey where he takes  the fabrics bought by his customers. Abdallah also offers sewing when selling his fabrics to customers, all at a negotiated price. Behind this smile,  Abdallah Issa hides anguish deep inside.

ECOWAS sanctions and their impact on the economic activities of a young Nigerian in Niger

“I worry too much about how to get supplies…”

Abdallah Issa sources his goods from Nigeria and since the coup d’état in Niger on July 26 the borders have been closed because of ECOWAS sanctions. This situation blocks any possibility of supply for Abdallah Issa. “I worry too much about how to get supplies. Today, it is very difficult for me to stock up and the old stock of fabrics I have tends to run out,” says Abdallah Issa. In both Niger and Nigeria, the population is accustomed to using border crossing bypasses. On this possibility, Abdallah Issa says that the situation at the border has changed. “At the border, controls have been tightened on both sides these days, and if you are caught crossing it is a problem, especially with goods,” says Abdallah Issa.

“I do not lose hope and I hope that a solution will be found in time …

Abdallah Issa still remains hopeful even if his activity tends to stop. “It is true that I am used to sourcing from Nigeria, and this is the channel I master. But, I do not lose hope and I hope that a solution will be found in time”, Abdallah Issa hopes. However, Abdallah Issa does not rule out turning to new supply channels.