Despite their country's exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citizens of Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Mali will continue to enjoy visa free movement in countries within the regional bloc, including Nigeria.

This was disclosed by ECOWAS as the three countries make their exit effective today January 29, 2025.

In a statement, the regional bloc said it took the decision "in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS' doors open."

It, therefore, mandated all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States to recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali until further notice.

The member states are also to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

The member states were directed to allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.

ECOWAS officials from the three countries will continue to enjoy support in the course of their assignments for the Community.

The bloc said the arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of its future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

"The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period," ECOWAS said.