Nigeria is prepared to pursue robust business partnerships with the United States, but ongoing travel restrictions are undermining these opportunities, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
Speaking at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18, Tuggar emphasized the need for open movement to enable investment and trade across borders.
“Sustained prosperity is achieved through trade and investment, devoid of barriers,” the minister said. “It would be remiss of me not to mention the apparent recent decision by the U.S. government to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions. Togo was previously listed, and now it appears the entire region may be affected.”
He warned that such a move would be counterproductive, especially given the region’s growing potential and critical mineral resources. “We are a region of opportunities, ready to engage. We possess critical minerals and even rare earth elements like Samarium, found in Monazite deposits in my home state of Bauchi,” he added.
Tuggar described visa restrictions as “non-tariff barriers” to economic collaboration, highlighting that West Africa has long been part of global trade networks and remains eager to participate fully in modern international commerce.
“We in this part of the world are students of the art of the deal. ECOWAS and the United States have a rare opportunity to forge a strategic partnership based on mutual need,” he said. “Our region offers a viable and more politically aligned alternative to distant energy producers.”
Tuggar concluded with a challenge to potential global partners: “We will pursue prosperity through deals — the only question is, with whom? Who will seize the opportunities in our region by allowing free travel for government officials, technocrats, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to close those deals?”
The statement comes amid concerns over potential U.S. policy changes regarding travel bans. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. had announced plans to expand its travel ban to include up to 36 countries, many of them in Africa.
Twelve countries — including Somalia, Chad, Libya, and Sudan — were already under full travel bans, while partial restrictions had been imposed on travelers from seven others, such as Burundi, Cuba, and Togo. These bans allow for some temporary work visas but restrict most other forms of entry.
Tuggar’s remarks underscore Nigeria’s intent to remain a competitive and open player in global trade, while also calling for policies that facilitate — rather than hinder — international economic cooperation.
