Nigerian Minister Slams U.S. Visa Curbs on West Africa: “We’re Ready for Deals, Not Barriers”

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has criticized the United States over its proposed visa restrictions on all ECOWAS member states, calling it a major blow to diplomacy, trade, and shared prosperity.

Speaking during the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar didn’t mince words as he described the potential policy as an ill-timed obstacle to U.S.-West Africa relations.

“It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass,” Tuggar said. “We are a region of opportunities, ready to do deals. But visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals.”

His remarks come following reports that Washington is considering a sweeping visa ban covering countries across Africa, including economic powerhouses like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. A leaked U.S. memo cited deficiencies in civil documentation, lack of cooperation, and widespread fraud as the basis for the proposed measure. Countries are expected to meet newly imposed U.S. State Department benchmarks within 60 days.

But Tuggar, clearly unimpressed by the rationale, framed the move as not only diplomatically counterproductive but also economically short-sighted.

“West Africa possesses critical minerals and rare earths like Samarium, found in the Monazite deposits of my home state, Bauchi,” he stated. “We have long been active in global trade, even before the concept of modern nation-states. Why throw up barriers now?”

With ECOWAS representing a market of over 400 million people, the minister said the region stands ready to partner with global powers, on its own terms.

“We will do deals for our prosperity,” Tuggar declared. “The only question is: with whom? Who will seize the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and business executives to travel freely and close the deals?”

Tuggar urged Washington to rethink its strategy and avoid alienating a region that could serve as a strategic energy and trade ally. “ECOWAS and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to build a partnership grounded in mutual need. But partnerships cannot flourish behind walls of bureaucracy.”

Observers warn that this growing friction may push West African states toward alternative alliances with nations more willing to engage—visa-free.