Despite their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria has extended official invitations to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic to participate in the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized that although the three nations have left ECOWAS, they remain key neighbours and strategic partners in the region’s development.
“Their exit from ECOWAS does not erase their identity as West African nations,” Tuggar said. “Trade, cooperation, and shared prosperity go beyond organizational membership.”
The summit is scheduled to take place at the Abuja International Conference Centre from June 20 to 21, 2025.
Ambassador Tuggar stressed that economic and development collaborations continue with the three countries, noting that Nigeria and Niger still engage through joint commissions and shared infrastructure projects.
“Trade does not end because of political alignments,” he said. “Our business and border interactions with Burkina Faso and Mali remain active.”
In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s direction and policies. The move raised concerns over regional unity and the future of ECOWAS.
In response, ECOWAS issued a statement affirming its commitment to minimizing disruption and preserving regional ties. It urged member states to continue recognizing ECOWAS-branded national passports and ID cards held by citizens of the three countries. The bloc also encouraged the continued implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) for goods and services originating from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
“Citizens of these countries should continue to enjoy visa-free movement, residency, and establishment rights under ECOWAS protocols,” the statement read, adding that cooperation with officials from the three nations should remain intact.
Meanwhile, in May 2024, the three countries announced they had finalized plans to form a new regional bloc — the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The move, confirmed by Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Sangare, signals a significant geopolitical realignment in West Africa. The AES aims to institutionalize a new framework for cooperation and governance among its member states.
