Niger's junta, which took power in a July coup, repealed the law on Saturday and announced it on Monday evening on state television.
In return, the European Union launched the 5 billion euro Trust Fund for Africa in 2015, aimed at eradicating the root causes of migration, but many felt it was not enough.
How European leaders greet the news, and the impact on migration to Europe, is yet to be seen.
Andre Chani used to earn thousands of dollars a month driving migrants through the desert before police impounded his trucks in 2016.
Reporting by Moussa Aksar and Edward McAllister; editing by Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Yara, Andre Chani, Moussa Aksar, Edward McAllister, Grant McCool
Organizations:
REUTERS, European Union, Fund, Thomson
Locations:
Lampedusa, Italy, NIAMEY, West Africans, Europe, Niger, Africa, Agadez