Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, has strongly criticized the United States’ proposed visa restrictions on West African countries. Tuggar warned that such a move could severely impact trade, diplomatic relations, and the broader goal of regional prosperity.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, Tuggar expressed concern that the proposed US policy—reportedly targeting all ECOWAS member states—could weaken American engagement in a region filled with economic and security potential.
“It would be deeply unfortunate if this policy materializes,” he said. “West Africa is a region of opportunity and readiness for partnerships. We are open for business, particularly with the United States, but visa restrictions function as non-tariff barriers that obstruct meaningful collaboration.”
Tuggar emphasized that the proposed visa limits would not only be diplomatically unwise but would also deal a blow to economic cooperation. He highlighted that the ECOWAS region is endowed with vital resources that are crucial to global industries, including minerals necessary for modern technology.
“We have abundant critical minerals, including rare earth elements like Samarium, which is extracted from Monazite found in my home state, Bauchi,” he explained. “Historically, this region has been integrated into global trade systems long before the emergence of modern nation-states. We understand how to negotiate, how to partner, and how to deliver results.”
Urging the US government to reconsider its stance, Tuggar maintained that ECOWAS remains open to global collaboration but stressed that the region’s patience is not endless.
“Now is a unique moment for the United States and ECOWAS to forge a mutually beneficial partnership based on strategic needs,” he said. “We present a viable alternative to more distant and less aligned sources of energy and resources. We are prepared to strike deals that drive prosperity in the region—the question is: who will seize the opportunity? We need free movement for officials, technocrats, and entrepreneurs to close these deals.”
Reports indicate that the US is preparing to implement a new round of travel bans on several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Liberia. A memo revealed that these countries have been given 60 days to meet updated US State Department requirements, which focus on improving civil documentation systems, enhancing cooperation with US authorities, and addressing identity verification concerns.
