Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed concerns that recent US visa restrictions affecting the majority of ECOWAS member states could hinder trade and weaken relationships all across West Africa.
At an ECOWAS conference in Abuja Tuggar stated that these visa limitations are “non-tariff barriers.” He pointed out that the area is rich in energies as well as essential minerals such as rare earths such as Samarium located in Bauchi.
Tuggar called on the US to reconsider its restrictions in the US, stating that ECOWAS provides a viable alternative to the distant energy producers. Tuggar said that economic growth is dependent on the freedom of travel for executives, officials as well as technocrats to make deals directly.
The US has reportedly has set a deadline of 60 days for ECOWAS nations to enhance the security of passports, civil registration and coordination on visa-related overstays. In the event that they do not meet these requirements, it could trigger a new wave of travel restrictions, which could affect countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal as well as Cote d’Ivoire.
Tuggar warned that the restriction on mobility could “derail” efforts to deepen regional cooperation, and lessen America’s influence in West African countries, possibly making deals more favorable to other international partners.
ECOWAS officials have stressed that visa-free travel and solid diplomatic ties are essential for the long-term growth of the region.
