Nigeria has extended invitations to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali to attend the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, despite their recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, announced this at a press briefing on Monday.

Burkina Faso and Niger, along with Mali, formally left the ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following a period of diplomatic tensions and a six-month extension offer from the regional body.

The three countries had previously announced their withdrawal a year before, forming the Alliance of Sahel States.

Speaking at the press briefing on Monday, Tuggar stressed that the decision of the countries to leave ECOWAS did not diminish their role as key partners in the region’s economic development.

He explained that invitations were personally delivered by special envoys sent under the directive of the Nigerian President.

“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.

“These nations remain our neighbours, our partners, and integral stakeholders in the future of West Africa’s economic transformation,” the minister said.

Tuggar highlighted that the summit, scheduled to be held at the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, would bring together heads of state, ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators from across West Africa and beyond.

“The invitations have been personally delivered by special envoys under the direct instruction of Mr President.

“We have extended this call not only to ECOWAS member states but to all countries within the West African sub-region, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, inviting them to join us in Abuja for this landmark summit,” he said.

The minister also addressed concerns about the continuity of trade and cooperation beyond ECOWAS membership, citing ongoing bilateral projects such as the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, which continues to advance development initiatives between the two countries.

“Trade does not stop because of membership status. For instance, Nigeria and Niger continue to cooperate actively through joint commissions and development projects, even beyond ECOWAS structures.

“Similarly, business activities, cross-border trade, and infrastructure collaborations with Burkina Faso and Mali remain ongoing,” Tuggar noted.

He added that the summit aimed to go beyond state-centric approaches by involving the private sector and youth innovators, highlighting that regional economic integration depended heavily on private sector participation.

“This summit reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the vision of a peaceful, borderless, and economically integrated West Africa.

“We invite all regional stakeholders, regardless of current political alignments, to join us in shaping a prosperous future for the region,” he said.

The West Africa Economic Summit 2025 will feature a presidential roundtable, CEO forum, business-to-government and business-to-business deal room, investment expos, and cultural and youth empowerment events.

It is expected to serve as a key platform for enhancing economic cooperation and accelerating growth across West Africa.