ECOWAS chair warns US visa restrictions could harm regional trade and diplomacy
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has strongly criticised proposed United States visa restrictions targeting West African nations, warning that such a move could severely hamper trade, diplomacy, and regional development.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 18, during the opening of the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja, Tuggar cautioned that the policy—reportedly affecting all ECOWAS member states—risks undermining US relations with a region primed for deeper economic and security cooperation.
“It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals,” Tuggar said. “We would like to do deals with the US, but visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals.”
He warned that the policy would not only be diplomatically damaging but also an economic setback, especially at a time when West Africa is seeking global partnerships to develop its vast resources.
“We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi,” he added. “We in this part of the world are students of the Art of the Deal and have been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system.”
Tuggar called on Washington to rethink its approach, arguing that ECOWAS nations are looking to build mutually beneficial global partnerships—but would not remain idle while access is restricted.
“ECOWAS countries and the US have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need. We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers,” he said. “We will do deals for our prosperity; the only question is with whom? 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?”
Background on the proposed US policy
The United States is reportedly preparing a new wave of visa restrictions targeting several West African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia.
According to a leaked memo, the policy stems from concerns over inadequate civil documentation, poor identity verification systems, and lack of cooperation with US immigration authorities. Affected nations are expected to meet updated compliance requirements within 60 days, or face broader restrictions.
While the State Department has yet to formally confirm the policy, the reports have already sparked diplomatic concern across the region.
ECOWAS leaders are expected to deliberate on a coordinated response, even as discussions continue around strengthening regional integration, mobility, and cooperation with global partners.
