The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the Trump administration’s reported move to impose visa restrictions on Nigeria and other member countries, warning that such measures risk undermining regional economic progress and diplomatic relations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, voiced the concerns during the 54th Ordinary Session of the council held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Reports earlier in the week—citing a memo allegedly signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—indicate that the Trump administration is reviewing visa bans and travel restrictions for Nigeria and 24 other African nations, including Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Egypt, with a total of 36 countries under review.
“This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass,” Tuggar said, warning that restricting travel access to the U.S. would act as a non-tariff barrier, hindering trade, investment, and diplomacy.
He emphasized that West Africa is “ready to do deals,” pointing to critical minerals and rare earths, including Samarium found in Bauchi State, as part of the region’s strategic value to the global economy.
“We want to do deals with the U.S., but visa restrictions will limit opportunities,” Tuggar stressed. “The only question is: with whom will we do these deals?”
Tuggar called on the U.S. to rethink its approach, saying ECOWAS offers a strategic and cooperative alternative in areas like energy, minerals, and technology.
ECOWAS Meeting Focuses on Security, Transitions, and Humanitarian Issues
The meeting also addressed broader regional challenges, with Tuggar and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray highlighting:
Political transitions in Guinea, and negotiations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
Rising terrorism and transnational organised crime
Maritime security across West African waters
Humanitarian crises, including displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related vulnerabilities
Tuggar urged ECOWAS to balance peacekeeping with humanitarian action, saying, “As we strengthen our peace and security responses, we must also uphold our responsibility to protect and support the most vulnerable.”
The visa issue adds further tension to an already delicate U.S.-West Africa relationship, with many leaders warning that isolationist policies could push the region toward alternative global partners.
