Latest news with #Tuggar
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria raises alarm over proposed Trump visa ban on ECOWAS states
Nigeria has voiced strong concerns over a proposed visa ban policy reportedly being considered by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which could target all member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigeria expressed strong concerns over a U.S. proposed travel restriction targeting ECOWAS member states. The policy could hinder significant economic and security partnerships between West Africa and the U.S. Reports highlight overstay rates and security issues as reasons for potential stricter measures. The warning came from Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who described the potential visa ban policy as a major setback for regional integration, trade, and diplomatic engagement. Speaking at the opening of the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar cautioned that the proposed restrictions risk undermining years of diplomatic progress between West Africa and the United States. " Such restrictions could stifle efforts to deepen U.S.–West Africa relations, particularly at a time when the region is ripe for economic cooperation and security collaboration," Tuggar said. He added: ' It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals. We would like to do deals with the U.S., but visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals. ' While highlighting the strategic potential of the region, Tuggar stressed: ' ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need. We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. ' Trump's proposed immigration ban In what could mark a major expansion of U.S. immigration policy, the administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing the extension of its travel ban to include citizens from 36 more countries, with 25 of them located in Africa. Earlier this month, a visa ban targeting 12 countries, with seven in Africa and the rest in the Middle East, took effect, halting new visa issuances to citizens of those nations and imposing additional restrictions on seven others. While this proposed policy remains under consideration and has not been officially announced, sources with knowledge of the matter indicate that the Trump administration is evaluating a proposal to impose stricter immigration restrictions on several African countries, including almost all members of the ECOWAS bloc. A classified memo points to visa overstay rates and weaknesses in national security screening processes as the primary justifications for the potential travel restrictions. Should the plan move forward, these countries could soon face enhanced visa scrutiny or outright bans affecting specific types of travel to the United States, pending further internal review. The document, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio was reportedly circulated to U.S. diplomats working with the affected countries.
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Despite ECOWAS fallout, Nigeria moves to reunite with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
Despite a prolonged fallout within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria is making diplomatic overtures to reengage Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the three countries that have withdrawn from the bloc following military takeovers. Nigeria has invited Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit for continued regional cooperation. This invitation reflects Nigeria's efforts to maintain economic ties despite political disputes in ECOWAS. Observers consider this a strategic move by Nigeria to preserve West African integration and avoid further regional fragmentation. This gesture, announced by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, signals Abuja's continued push for regional cooperation within the ECOWAS framework, despite ongoing political rifts. Tuggar emphasized that while the three countries have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States, Nigeria views them as indispensable partners in West Africa's economic future. He noted that regional development should not be derailed by political disagreements, particularly as shared challenges like security, trade, and infrastructure transcend institutional affiliations. ' While it is true that three countries in our region have chosen to depart from ECOWAS, this does not sever the bonds of trade, cooperation, and shared destiny that unite us as West Africans. 'These nations remain our neighbours, our partners, and integral stakeholders in the future of West Africa's economic transformation,' the minister said. Nigeria's diplomatic move to reunite the AES The invitation comes amid rising tensions between the ECOWAS bloc and the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These countries, now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have accused ECOWAS of failing to respect their sovereignty and have pursued a parallel path for regional collaboration. However, Nigeria's outreach suggests a willingness to bridge the divide, at least economically. Observers see this as a pragmatic move by Nigeria, the region's largest economy, to keep diplomatic channels open and prevent further fragmentation in West Africa's integration efforts. Recall that Nigeria was previously at the forefront of efforts to pressure the Sahel nations following their decision to exit the regional bloc. Abuja strongly condemned the military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and supported a firm ECOWAS stance that included sanctions, border closures, and threats of military intervention, particularly in the case of Niger after the July 2023 coup. President Bola Tinubu, as ECOWAS Chair, emphasized the bloc's zero-tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes of government and advocated for swift restoration of civilian rule. West African trade on the front burner The minister also addressed concerns about the continuity of trade and cooperation beyond ECOWAS membership, citing ongoing bilateral projects such as the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, which continues to advance development initiatives between the two countries. Prior to their withdrawal in early 2024, these countries benefited from ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods and people, which had significantly facilitated intra-regional trade. Their departure, and the subsequent deterioration in relations with ECOWAS, disrupted these frameworks. As a result, trade corridors through Niger and Burkina Faso, particularly those serving landlocked neighbors, have faced new restrictions, delays, and uncertainty. ' Trade does not stop because of membership status. For instance, Nigeria and Niger continue to cooperate actively through joint commissions and development projects, even beyond ECOWAS structures. 'Similarly, business activities, cross-border trade, and infrastructure collaborations with Burkina Faso and Mali remain ongoing, ' Tuggar noted.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Germany, Nigeria to deepen cooperation in economy, migration
Germany, Nigeria to deepen cooperation in economy, migration (AP) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described Nigeria as a key partner of Berlin in Africa. "We just want to deepen our cooperation," he said after talks with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar, on Thursday. "For both the European Union and Germany, the African continent is the continent of the future," Wadephul added. There are "an incredible number of opportunities" to expand the economic cooperation with African countries, said the German minister, citing the example of rare earths, abundant in many parts of Africa. Wadephul said that he wanted to encourage the German private sector to become more involved in Nigeria and used car manufacturer Volkswagen as a positive example of this. Wadephul also highlighted the issue migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea and heading to Europe, specifically Germany. "We have with Nigeria an ideal partner to discuss how we can tackle this problem. We agreed to cooperate very closely," he added. 'Nigeria is blessed with critical minerals' Meanwhile, Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria is already Germany's second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The Nigerian minister held out the prospect of intensifying trade relations, particularly in critical raw materials. "Nigeria is blessed with a lot of critical minerals," he said. Tuggar also announced closer cooperation in energy sector, including on renewable energies, and labor migration. With over 220 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. "Projections show that by 2050 we'll have 400 million people," Tuggar said. "What we are looking to do is not to export people but to export talent," he explained. "That's why we are looking to work with countries like Germany on structured solutions to job creation and to tackling the issues of irregular migration." German-Nigerian relations According to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berlin views Nigeria as a key player in promoting stability and democracy in the broader region, as well as a country with significant economic potential. In December, German President Steinmeier visited Nigeria with a business delegation. The German-Nigerian Binational Commission, founded in 2011, has working groups in business, energy, politics, culture, and migration. The commission last met in 2021. New impetus was injected into cultural relations by the return of the first Benin Bronzes to Nigeria by then Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in December 2022. To combat terrorist threats, the German government is training and equipping Nigerian security forces and contributing to transnational stabilization projects. Energy partnership Nigeria is Germany's second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified energy cooperation as a key focus area for bilateral economic relations. The German-Nigerian Energy Partnership, established in 2008, expanded in 2021 in line with the German government's National Hydrogen Strategy with the opening of a hydrogen office in Abuja. Priorities of development cooperation with Nigeria include sustainable economic development, vocational training, employment, rural development, expanding renewables, and healthcare.
DW
22-05-2025
- Business
- DW
Germany, Nigeria to deepen cooperation in economy, migration – DW – 05/22/2025
The foreign ministers of Germany and Nigeria pledged to strengthen their countries' partnership in areas such as the economy, energy, and migration. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described Nigeria as a key partner of Berlin in Africa. "We just want to deepen our cooperation," he said after talks with his Nigerian counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar, on Thursday. "For both the European Union and Germany, the African continent is the continent of the future," Wadephul added. There are "an incredible number of opportunities" to expand the economic cooperation with African countries, said the German minister, citing the example of rare earths, abundant in many parts of Africa. Wadephul said that he wanted to encourage the German private sector to become more involved in Nigeria and used car manufacturer Volkswagen as a positive example of this. Wadephul also highlighted the issue migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea and heading to Europe, specifically Germany. "We have with Nigeria an ideal partner to discuss how we can tackle this problem. We agreed to cooperate very closely," he added. 'Nigeria is blessed with critical minerals' Meanwhile, Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria is already Germany's second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The Nigerian minister held out the prospect of intensifying trade relations, particularly in critical raw materials. "Nigeria is blessed with a lot of critical minerals," he said. Tuggar also announced closer cooperation in energy sector, including on renewable energies, and labor migration. With over 220 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. "Projections show that by 2050 we'll have 400 million people," Tuggar said. "What we are looking to do is not to export people but to export talent," he explained. "That's why we are looking to work with countries like Germany on structured solutions to job creation and to tackling the issues of irregular migration." German-Nigerian relations According to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berlin views Nigeria as a key player in promoting stability and democracy in the broader region, as well as a country with significant economic potential. In December, German President Steinmeier visited Nigeria with a business delegation. The German-Nigerian Binational Commission, founded in 2011, has working groups in business, energy, politics, culture, and migration. The commission last met in 2021. German and Nigerian classical musicians' mutual influence To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video New impetus was injected into cultural relations by the return of the first Benin Bronzes to Nigeria by then Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in December 2022. To combat terrorist threats, the German government is training and equipping Nigerian security forces and contributing to transnational stabilization projects. Energy partnership Nigeria is Germany's second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified energy cooperation as a key focus area for bilateral economic relations. The German-Nigerian Energy Partnership, established in 2008, expanded in 2021 in line with the German government's National Hydrogen Strategy with the opening of a hydrogen office in Abuja. Priorities of development cooperation with Nigeria include sustainable economic development, vocational training, employment, rural development, expanding renewables, and healthcare. Edited by: Kieran Burke
TimesLIVE
15-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Nigeria talks with Petrobras on deep-water acreage, says minister
Nigeria is discussing exploration of its deep-water oil acreage with Petrobras, years after the Brazilian oil giant exited the west African nation, Nigeria's foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar said. "Petrobras is no longer active in Nigeria but they are very keen on coming back to Nigeria. They said they want frontier acreage in deep waters," Tuggar was quoted in a statement from the vice-president's office as saying. Brazil is due to host the Brics summit and COP30 this year after hosting the G20 meeting last year. Nigeria plans to promote investment at these summits as the African nation seeks to deepen ties with Brazil in areas such as energy, health, culture and agriculture. The Brazilian state energy firm said in February it was in talks with companies including existing partners ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies to buy a share of their African assets. Petrobras began operations in Nigeria in 1998 in the deep waters off the coast of the Niger Delta, but sold off its stakes more than 10 years ago to raise cash for domestic projects.
