Tuggar essentially highlighted Nigeria’s wealth in oil, gas, and rare earth minerals such as samarium, which is used in military technology and high-tech manufacturing.

He also warned that visa restrictions act as non-tariff barriers to economic partnerships and could derail ongoing and future trade agreements, particularly in the energy and minerals sectors.

More so, he pointed out that West Africa offers a strategic alternative to more distant or politically divergent energy suppliers, making the region an attractive partner for the U.S.

“We would like to do deals with the US, but visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals,” Tuggar stated, adding, “If you ban us, we’ll ban you right back.”

The Nigerian government’s stance is not just diplomatic posturing; it’s a clear signal that African nations are increasingly prepared to leverage their mineral wealth as geopolitical bargaining chips.

With the global race for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths intensifying due to the demands of the tech and electric vehicle industries, the stakes are high for both sides.

The U.S. has cited reasons for the proposed bans including concerns over identity document reliability, corruption, and high rates of visa overstays.

However, Nigeria and other West African nations argue that such restrictions undermine mutually beneficial trade and risk pushing the region toward alternative partners, such as China, which has already secured major mineral deals on the continent.

Nigeria’s message to Washington is direct — impose a travel ban, and risk losing access to some of the world’s most sought-after resources, potentially reshaping global supply chains and diplomatic alliances.