U.S. Visa Ban Threatens ECOWAS Trade, Diplomacy – FG

Last updated: Jun 18, 2025. 12:51 pm

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

U.S. Visa Ban Threatens ECOWAS Trade

U.S. Visa Ban Threatens ECOWAS Trade, Diplomacy – FG.
Minister Tuggar says restrictions undermine trade and diplomatic growth.
Policy based on document fraud claims, with 60-day compliance deadline.

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

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level, held in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar warned that such a move would seriously hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional development.

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

Tuggar, who also doubles as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, criticized the policy as both a diplomatic misstep and a lost economic opportunity. He highlighted ECOWAS’ vast reserves of critical minerals and rare earths, such as samarium from monazite found in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

He urged the U.S. government to reconsider the decision, noting that ECOWAS nations remain committed to global partnerships and legitimate business engagements. “We will do deals for our prosperity—the only question is with whom?” Tuggar asked.

His remarks follow reports that President Donald Trump’s administration is considering travel bans on several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. A leaked memo cites failure to meet U.S. State Department requirements on identity verification and widespread documentation fraud.

The affected countries have reportedly been given a 60-day compliance window, but ECOWAS leaders fear such sweeping sanctions could damage foreign investment and fracture regional cooperation.