Nigeria Threatens to Halt Rare Mineral Deals Over U.S. Travel Ban Proposal

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar

Reporting by iNewsAfrica Bureau, Abuja

Nigeria has issued a stern warning that it may suspend critical mineral trade negotiations with the United States if a proposed travel ban targeting West African nations is enforced. The warning follows reports that the Trump administration is considering restricting visas for citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, and over 30 other African countries.

• Nigeria warns of halting mineral trade if U.S. enforces travel ban.

• Foreign Minister: “We’ll do deals for prosperity—the only question is with whom.”

• ECOWAS expresses concern that U.S. visa policies could cripple diplomatic and commercial ties.

• Rare earth minerals, like samarium, and oil deals may be withdrawn from U.S. access.

Abuja, Nigeria – June 19, 2025 | Nigeria’s government has strongly opposed a proposed travel ban by the Trump administration that could affect over 36 African nations, including Nigeria. In a pointed statement delivered by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, the country hinted at pulling back from key mineral trade negotiations if the visa restrictions are implemented.

Tuggar, who also serves as chair of the ECOWAS council of foreign ministers, described the potential travel ban as a “non-tariff barrier” that would severely obstruct West Africa’s ambitions for economic growth, energy development, and international partnerships.

“We will do deals for our prosperity. The only question is—with whom?” Tuggar warned during a diplomatic briefing in Abuja.

At the heart of the dispute are rare earth minerals like samarium, a vital component in military-grade magnets used in advanced U.S. defense systems. Nigeria, alongside other ECOWAS members, is exploring trade frameworks to leverage its mineral wealth in global markets. However, Tuggar cautioned that the travel restrictions could make the United States an unviable partner.

The Trump administration has justified the visa review based on concerns about document fraud, immigration integrity, and overstay rates from several African countries. But Nigeria argues that such measures undermine diplomacy and economic collaboration in an already fragile global order.

Tuggar urged Washington to reconsider the implications of the ban, warning that Nigerian officials and business leaders may pivot towards other partners—including China and the EU—if the U.S. closes its doors.

The ECOWAS bloc, which represents over 400 million people across West Africa, echoed Nigeria’s position, urging U.S. policymakers to prioritize partnership over isolation.

iNewsAfrica Analysis:
With West Africa becoming a strategic hub for energy and critical minerals, Nigeria’s bold stance may force a diplomatic recalibration in Washington. As the world reconfigures its supply chains and geopolitical alignments, countries with natural resources are increasingly using access as leverage in foreign policy.