Tuggar condemns proposed US visa ban on West African States

Calls it a Threat to Trade, Diplomacy, and Regional Growth

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has described the reported plan by the United States government to impose visa restrictions on all West African countries, including Nigeria, as deeply regrettable.

Speaking at the opening of the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar, who also chairs the Council, warned that such a policy would create significant barriers to trade, diplomacy, and the economic progress of the sub-region.

Expressing concern over the apparent inclusion of all ECOWAS member states in the U.S. visa ban, he said, “This would be most unfortunate if implemented. ECOWAS is a region brimming with opportunities and vital resources. We should be seen as partners for progress, not sidelined.”

Highlighting the region’s potential, Tuggar noted, “We possess critical minerals and rare earth elements, such as Samarium found in Monazite from my home state, Bauchi. Rather than isolating us, global powers like the U.S. should be engaging with us through mutually beneficial deals. Visa restrictions amount to non-tariff barriers that only hinder progress.”

He emphasized that the region is ready for partnership, adding, “We are a strategic alternative to distant and politically unstable energy producers. The real question is: who will seize the opportunity and allow unhindered travel for officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to foster meaningful engagement?”

Turning to regional security, Tuggar reiterated the need for collective action to maintain peace and good governance in West Africa. “In these trying times, our unity and ability to act decisively are crucial for peace and development,” he said.

He revealed that the Council would address a wide range of issues critical to the region’s stability, including the political transition in Guinea and upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in two other member states later this year.

Other key topics on the agenda include maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, transnational organized crime, and strengthening the operational readiness of the ECOWAS peace support framework. Humanitarian issues and the region’s early warning systems will also be discussed.

In his own remarks, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Touray, affirmed that the region is making tangible progress in promoting peace and security. He cited the development of the ECOWAS Standby Force Logistics Concept, the establishment of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies, and the adoption of the Supplementary Act on the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

Touray added that updates on early warning and response centres, humanitarian responses, and efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing will be shared during the meeting.

Reflecting on recent tensions, he noted that ECOWAS has managed to shift the narrative surrounding the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. “We have begun direct dialogue aimed at preserving community gains and laying the foundation for renewed cooperation in security and development,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of improved communication in combating misinformation and projecting the region’s perspectives more effectively, emphasizing that “fake news has significantly complicated our security and political landscape in recent years.”