Tuggar Expresses Optimism on Return of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to ECOWAS

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed optimism that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic will soon return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following their recent withdrawal from the regional bloc.

Tuggar made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit as part of the parliament’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional governance and cooperation. The visit also forms part of activities marking the upcoming 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament, which will be celebrated in November.

“We will continue to work hard towards the success of ECOWAS and all member states, including the three recently withdrawn ones,” Tuggar said. “We are encouraging them to come back. As we keep saying, we have not closed the door on their return. We are confident that they will return because they are part and parcel of the region—it is just a matter of time.”

Despite their formal withdrawal from the bloc on January 29, 2025, the minister noted that Nigeria and other member countries remain committed to maintaining relationships with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, particularly in areas of mutual benefit.

Tuggar urged the West African media to shift focus from the political tension surrounding the exit of the three countries and instead highlight the region’s economic integration and development. He listed ongoing regional projects such as the West African Power Pool, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, and the Abidjan-Dakar Corridor as key initiatives that continue to promote regional cooperation and progress.

“The ECOWAS Parliament is a true representation of the citizens of member states and is clearly committed to constitutional and democratic governance,” he added.

Earlier in her remarks, Speaker Ibrahima briefed the minister on the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament over the past 18 months and shared plans for the future.

“As we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Parliament, we are looking at how we can strengthen our legislative role within the ECOWAS Community and support the implementation of regional programmes,” Ibrahima said.

Established in 2000, the ECOWAS Parliament serves as a platform for dialogue, representation, and oversight within the West African subregion.

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