Nigeria Commits To Peace, Regional Integration At ECOWAS Summit

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made the commitment at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to implementing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework for building a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive and people-centred West African Community.

He commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the Summit and congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority. He also praised the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, describing it as a boost to regional diplomacy and cooperation.

Senator Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for deeper economic integration through increased intra-regional trade, industrialisation, improved infrastructure, investment promotion, food security and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.

According to him, regional prosperity depends on eliminating trade barriers, promoting the free movement of persons, goods and services, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

On regional peace and security, the Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.

He stressed that sustainable development can only flourish in a peaceful and stable environment and pledged Nigeria’s continued support for strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy.

The Vice President also underscored the importance of digital transformation, innovation, science and technology in driving economic growth, while advocating greater investment in women and youths as catalysts for regional development.

He called for stronger ECOWAS institutions anchored on transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainable financing to improve the implementation of regional decisions and boost public confidence.

Speaking on recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, Senator Shettima condemned the violence and called for a united African response to combat xenophobia and safeguard the rights and dignity of all Africans.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerians affected by the attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with regional and continental institutions to address the issue.

The Vice President urged ECOWAS Member States, development partners, the private sector, civil society, women and young people to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact, noting that collective action remains essential to achieving lasting peace, security and prosperity across West Africa.

PR/Uju Oparaji