Faith Nyasuguta
Nigeria is stepping up diplomatic efforts to repair relations with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, despite their controversial withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a series of military coups. In a bid to prevent further regional fragmentation, Nigeria is inviting the three nations to participate in the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit.
The invitation, revealed on Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, during a press briefing in Abuja, marks a notable shift in tone. While Nigeria previously supported sanctions and strict measures against these countries under ECOWAS, it now appears to be pursuing a more conciliatory approach aimed at preserving economic ties and regional cooperation.
“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,” Tuggar said. He emphasized that the shared challenges facing the region-including insecurity, poverty, trade disruptions, and poor infrastructure-require collective effort, regardless of political differences.
Observers see Nigeria’s move as a strategic effort to preserve the broader vision of West African integration. The exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS earlier in 2024 marked a major blow to the bloc’s credibility and unity. These countries have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), accusing ECOWAS of overreach and failing to respect their sovereignty.
Tuggar stressed that despite their withdrawal, the three Sahelian states remain vital to West Africa’s future. “These nations are not just neighbours,” he said. “They are critical partners in our collective development journey. We cannot afford to let political rifts permanently undermine regional integration.”
Nigeria’s shift is notable, given its earlier hardline position. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS Chair in 2023, Nigeria was instrumental in pushing for border closures, economic sanctions, and even a proposed military intervention following the coup in Niger. The tough stance aimed to deter unconstitutional changes of government, a core ECOWAS principle.
However, these measures sparked backlash and raised fears of deepening divides within the region. The economic impact of sanctions and closed borders was particularly severe for landlocked nations like Niger and Burkina Faso, which rely on Nigeria and coastal states for access to international markets.
Now, Nigeria appears to be charting a more diplomatic path. Tuggar cited existing bilateral frameworks like the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission as examples of continued collaboration outside ECOWAS structures. “Trade does not stop because of membership status,” he noted. “We continue to work with these countries through various development projects and commissions.”
The withdrawal of the three countries also disrupted ECOWAS protocols that allowed for the free movement of goods and people. This has led to delays, tighter border controls, and uncertainty along vital trade corridors – affecting regional commerce and increasing transportation costs for businesses across West Africa.
To mitigate these effects, Nigeria’s proposed summit aims to foster dialogue and reestablish connections, with an emphasis on economic recovery. According to Tuggar, the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit will prioritize inclusivity, bringing together not just governments but also private sector players, youth innovators, and civil society organizations.
“West Africa’s integration must not be left to governments alone,” Tuggar added. “Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and the youth have an equally critical role to play in shaping the future of our region.”
The upcoming summit could serve as a turning point, offering a platform for healing political rifts while reigniting the vision of a united, economically interlinked West Africa.
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