Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has stated that the country is shouldering the burden of insecurity not only for itself but for the entire West African region. His comments come at a time when political instability in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has led them to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups.
Speaking at an event hosted by Chatham House in London on Tuesday, Tuggar expressed frustration with the leadership of the countries that have left ECOWAS, accusing them of turning down peace efforts. He explained, “Every time we extend an olive branch, they wield it as a stick to strike us.”
Tuggar also addressed the growing security vacuum in the region, warning that Russian private security firms and jihadist groups are increasingly filling the void left by the departure of French and American forces from the Sahel. He emphasized the rising complexity of regional security threats, with these groups aiming to expand their influence amidst shifting power dynamics.
The Nigerian minister made it clear that Nigeria is serious about its role in ensuring the security of the region. “We have shown that ECOWAS has a distinct identity and that, for all its faults, it has made progress that will leave those on the outside literally and figuratively poorer for it,” he said, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability.
Tuggar further explained that Nigeria is committed to providing its own security without depending on external powers, despite the recent departure of French and U.S. forces. “There’s no ‘security backstop’ that we, as Nigeria and the region, will not provide for ourselves,” he remarked. He also warned against underestimating the ambitions of Russian private military companies and jihadist factions now operating in the region, saying they pose a serious threat.
The foreign minister also touched upon the issue of irregular migration, which he noted as both a political problem for Europe and a major challenge for African countries. “Irregular migration is a doorstep political issue in Europe, but it is a huge challenge also for those countries that are hemorrhaging talent and those for whom they pass through,” Tuggar said. He urged for a more balanced approach in addressing migration, with equal focus on trade, financing, and policies that encourage people to stay in their home countries.
In his closing remarks, Tuggar called for a more equitable distribution of resources in the region to address these multifaceted crises, stressing the importance of both securing the region and creating opportunities for its citizens.
