Niamey, Niger – Authorities in Niamey have implemented new regulations restricting the movement of heavy vehicles within the city's "Zone rouge" and near other strategic locations, the Agence Nigérienne de Presse (ANP) reported on May 12. The measures specifically target semi-trailers, dump trucks, heavy goods vehicles, and vehicles transporting flammable products. These restrictions apply to key areas such as Yantala, Gamkalé, Boulevard de l’Indépendance, and Tannimoune. The decision to regulate this traffic was made in response to the prevailing security context in the region.
Defining the Restricted Zones
The restricted "Zone rouge" in Niamey is delineated to the west by the Yantala and Gamkalé cornices. Its eastern boundaries include the Boulevard de l’Indépendance, specifically between the Tannimoune boulevard intersection and the Tillabéri road, and the Boulevard de Liberté, from the Palais des Sports roundabout to the 6th roundabout, which is excluded. To the south, the zone is bordered by the avenue extending from the 6th roundabout to the 2nd bridge, also excluded. The northern limit is defined by the portion of Tannimoune boulevard from the Muslim cemeteries intersection to the 3rd bridge, which is likewise excluded.
Within this "Zone rouge," the circulation of semi-trailers, dump trucks, and heavy goods vehicles exceeding 20 tonnes is prohibited, with the exception of public transport. Dump trucks and other carriers over 10 tonnes, along with tankers transporting hydrocarbons and other flammable liquids, are strictly banned from traversing Boulevard de la République, Avenue de la Présidence, and Avenue Djibo Bakary. This prohibition does not apply to urban transport buses. Similar restrictions apply to axes serving strategic sites such as barracks, ministries, the Place de la Concertation, and the headquarters of the consultative council for the refoundation, the city of Niamey, and communal districts.
The city of Niamey indicated that an exemption for access to the "Zone rouge" is granted between 9 PM and 4 AM for merchandise deliveries, provided a reasoned request is submitted to the city. An exceptional derogation may also be granted for dump trucks under escort to access construction sites on Boulevard de la République, Avenue de la Présidence, Avenue Djibo Bakary, and axes serving strategic sites like barracks, ministries, the Place de la Concertation, and the consultative council headquarters, according to the city of Niamey.
Permits and Exceptions
An access permit to the "Zone rouge" is granted for goods deliveries between 9 PM and 4 AM, provided a motivated request is addressed to the city of Niamey. "Une dérogation d’accès à la zone rouge est accordée de 21h à 4h du matin pour les livraisons de marchandises sur demande motivée adressée à la ville de Niamey," the city of Niamey stated. Additionally, an exceptional permit may be granted to dump trucks under escort for access to construction sites. This requires a request for work on Boulevard de la République, Avenue de la Présidence, Avenue Djibo Bakary, and on axes serving strategic sites such as barracks, ministries, the Place de la Concertation, and the headquarters of the consultative council for the refoundation of the city of Niamey.
The city of Niamey detailed this, saying: "une dérogation exceptionnelle peut être accordée aux camions-bennes sous escorte pour l’accès aux chantiers de construction sur demande sur le boulevard de la République, l’avenue de la Présidence et l’avenue Djibo Bakary et sur les axes desservant les sites stratégiques tels que les casernes, les ministères, la place de la concertation, les sièges du conseil consultatif de la refondation de la ville de Niamey." Regulations also prohibit the circulation of hydrocarbon tankers with a capacity exceeding 20,000 liters when they are intended for refueling service stations within Niamey. Crossing Niamey with vehicles transporting dangerous materials such as gas, dynamite, or explosives without prior authorization is strictly forbidden and is considered an attack on state security.
Transit and Parking Rules
Parking of heavy goods vehicles is strictly prohibited outside designated municipal or company parking lots. This measure aims to control the movement and placement of large vehicles within the city's confines.
Heavy goods vehicles exceeding 20 tonnes that are in transit through the Niamey region are permitted to use specific routes. These include Boulevard Tanimoune, the Général Seyni Kountché bridge, and the North ring road, which connects National Road 1 (RN1) to National Road 25 (RN25). Additionally, the section of RN1 from the city entrance to Place Tarhanakal, passing via the Police Secours roundabout, is authorized for their passage. This routing is intended to manage the flow of heavy transit traffic while minimizing its impact on restricted zones within Niamey.
Enforcement and Consequences
Violators of the new heavy vehicle regulations in Niamey face stringent sanctions, including fines and the impoundment of vehicles caught in non-compliance. The Regional Security Council is tasked with ensuring strict adherence to these newly imposed provisions. These measures are designed to enhance security within Niamey's designated "Zone rouge" and other strategic areas. The regulations, which prohibit the circulation of certain heavy goods vehicles and those transporting flammable materials in restricted areas, are effective until May 29, 2026. The city of Niamey has outlined specific routes and times for permitted movements, alongside a process for requesting exemptions.