US Visa Restrictions on ECOWAS Members Could Undermine Regional Economic Growth, Says Minister Tuggar

At the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed serious concerns regarding the United States’ decision to impose visa restrictions on all ECOWAS member states. He described the policy as a significant barrier to trade, diplomacy, and the economic prosperity of West Africa.

Ambassador Tuggar warned that the restrictions could severely hamper efforts to strengthen US-West Africa relations at a time when the region is ripe for economic cooperation and security collaboration. “It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals,” he said. “Visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals,” he added.

The minister highlighted the region’s abundant natural resources, including critical minerals and rare earth elements like Samarium found in Bauchi State. “We have been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system,” Tuggar noted.

He called on the US government to reconsider its approach, emphasizing West Africa’s strategic position as an alternative energy partner. “Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives, and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” he asked.

The visa restrictions come amid reports that President Donald Trump is considering a travel ban on Nigeria and other African countries, citing failures to meet US government benchmarks related to identity documentation and fraud. The affected nations have been given a 60-day window to comply.