Nigeria warns U.S. over expanded travel bans, threatens critical minerals supply chain
Nigeria has issued a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration over plans to extend travel restrictions to 36 additional countries, including several in West Africa. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar warned that the proposed bans could derail key economic agreements between the U.S. and West African nations, particularly in the strategic sector of rare earth metalNigeria, now the fifth-largest global producer of rare earth minerals and Africa’s top supplier, saw an 80% surge in production in 2024, reaching 13,000 metric tons of lithium, samarium, and other critical elements. These resources are vital for U.S. defense systems, electric vehicles, and electronics manufacturing.
The warning comes as leaked U.S. documents reveal potential visa bans targeting West African nationals, citing heightened security concerns. Over 20 countriesmostly in Africa and the Middle- East already face similar restrictions.
A High-stakes economic standoff
- Nigeria’s rare earth metals are crucial for global tech and defense supply chains.
- The U.S. relies on African minerals to reduce dependence on Chinese-dominated markets.
- Abuja could pivot to alternative allies, including China or the EU, if relations with Washington sour.
Nigeria’s message is clear: Cooperation, not exclusion, should guide U.S. policy. With economic leverage in hand, West Africa’s largest economy is signaling it won’t accept one-sided restrictions without consequences.
Stan OKAFOR
