Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has expressed concern over the recent move by the United States Government to impose visa restrictions on all ECOWAS countries, including Togo, which had been listed earlier.
Speaking at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial level, held in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar described the potential policy as a significant barrier to economic partnership and mutual prosperity.
“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 said.
“ECOWAS countries and the United States have a rare opportunity to build partnerships based on mutual need. We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity — the only question is, with whom?”
He emphasized that for these partnerships to materialize, the U.S. must create an enabling environment that allows government officials, technocrats, business executives, and entrepreneurs to travel freely and engage in deal-making.
The Minister reiterated that West African nations are eager to do business, but visa restrictions could hamper the region's ability to engage with global partners — especially at a time when the region is looking to attract investment and deepen trade ties.
Tuggar also reaffirmed the importance of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), launched in May 2025 in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The RPD, he noted, serves as a blueprint for strengthening democratic governance across West Africa and must be locally adapted by member states.
“This is a template that should be collectively owned and implemented based on the unique political contexts of each member state,” he said.
He also highlighted humanitarian and climate-related challenges confronting the region, including forced displacement, food insecurity, health concerns, and climate vulnerability, urging collective and coordinated action among ECOWAS states.
On regional conflict prevention, Tuggar noted that the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council would be briefed on updates from Early Warning and Response Centres, which are essential for timely and effective conflict resolution efforts.
He further applauded the strategic foresight behind the creation of GIABA — the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa — noting its relevance today as illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorism financing continue to threaten regional peace and stability.
“Member states must reaffirm their commitment to enhancing financial transparency and institutional resilience. The Council will be updated on efforts by countries to strengthen their capacity to combat money laundering and terrorist financing,” Tuggar stated.
The Minister also announced the completion of the Lungi Military Logistics Depot, a major infrastructure project constructed under the auspices of ECOWAS. He described the facility as a landmark achievement that comes at a critical moment as the region prepares to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force to confront terrorism and violent extremism.