West African countries are eager to build stronger economic and trade ties with the United States—especially in energy and mineral resources—but those hopes may be slipping away due to growing visa restrictions under the Trump administration, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar has warned.
Tuggar, who also chairs the council of foreign ministers for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), raised the alarm this week, saying that the renewed and expanding U.S. travel bans are quietly but effectively killing the chances of mutually beneficial trade.
“This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass,” Tuggar said, speaking to regional leaders on Wednesday. “We are a region full of opportunity, ready to do business. But these entry bans are becoming a major roadblock.”
His comments, reported by Reuters, come at a crucial moment. Many West African nations are hoping to attract U.S. interest by offering access to critical raw materials—particularly rare earth minerals—alongside energy partnerships in oil and gas. These resources are vital for everything from clean energy tech to national defense systems.
West Africa Has What the U.S. Needs—But Will They Get a Seat at the Table?
Tuggar emphasized that the region is home to valuable materials like samarium, a rare earth element used in military equipment and nuclear controls.
“We want to do deals with the U.S.,” he said, “but these visa restrictions act like non-tariff barriers. They send the wrong signal.”
He also pointed out that West Africa could offer the U.S. a stable and strategic alternative to sourcing energy from more distant or politically volatile parts of the world.
“We’re here and we’re ready,” he added. “The only question is: who is willing to work with us?”
Trump’s Tough Stance on Immigration Raises Alarm Bells
President Donald Trump has doubled down on his hardline immigration agenda since returning to office. Travel bans on citizens from 12 countries have already been reinstated, and there are reports that 36 more—including several in West Africa—could soon be added to the list.
The U.S. administration says the bans are driven by concerns over document fraud, corruption, and visa overstays. But leaders in Africa are starting to see them as barriers to diplomacy and economic cooperation.
Tuggar pointed to a recent deal between the U.S. and China, where access to rare earth minerals was negotiated in exchange for Chinese students being allowed to study in the U.S. The implication? West Africa might have similar leverage—but only if it’s treated as a true partner.
A Call for Balance and Mutual Respect
Tuggar’s message was clear: West Africa is open for business, and the region has resources that matter on the global stage. But if the U.S. wants to compete for those opportunities, visa policies need to reflect a spirit of partnership—not exclusion.
“Visa bans don’t just hurt families—they hurt business, diplomacy, and trust,” said one ECOWAS official. “If we want a future of shared prosperity, we have to be able to sit at the same table.”
As the global race for energy and critical minerals accelerates, West Africa is making it known: they have something valuable to offer—but they won’t wait forever for the world to notice.
