US Visa Restrictions Threaten Regional Prosperity — Minister Tuggar Warns at ECOWAS Meeting

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has raised alarm over a reported move by the United States to impose visa restrictions on all member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking at the opening session of the 54th Ordinary Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar described the move as a “significant barrier to trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity.”

“It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals,” Tuggar stated. “We would like to do deals with the US, but visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals.”

The minister said the proposed visa restrictions, if enforced, would represent a major diplomatic setback and an economic missed opportunity, especially as the West African region remains strategically positioned for international trade and cooperation.

Tuggar highlighted the region’s vast potential, pointing to critical resources such as rare earth elements, including Samarium from Monazite found in his native Bauchi State.

“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,” he remarked, borrowing language from U.S. political parlance.

The foreign minister called on Washington to reconsider its approach to the region, noting that ECOWAS nations represent viable, strategic alternatives to distant and politically complex energy producers.

“ECOWAS countries and the US have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on mutual need,” 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?

The minister's comments come amid increasing speculation that the United States may expand its visa restriction policies in a manner that affects broader regional engagement a move observers warn could undermine decades of cooperation on trade, security, and democratic governance.

Although no formal policy from Washington has been announced, Tuggar’s remarks signal growing unease within West Africa’s diplomatic circles about potential isolationist shifts from key Western allies.

As chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Tuggar has advocated for stronger regional integration and partnership with global powers, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, trade liberalisation, and movement of people as foundations for peace and prosperity.