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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to pursue reconciliation with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, warning that the withdrawal of the three Sahel countries had weakened regional integration, security cooperation and economic opportunities across West Africa.
Sanusi made the call at a public lecture organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on Thursday in Abuja, entitled “ECO Currency and Monetary Integration in West Africa: Implications for Nigeria”.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor described Niger as a strategic buffer between Nigeria and extremist threats operating across Libya, Algeria and other parts of North Africa.
He noted that Nigeria’s national security architecture historically relied on cooperation with Niger, making the country’s alienation a serious strategic concern.
He recalled Niger’s support for Nigeria during the civil war, noting that past leaders prioritised regional solidarity despite international pressure and divisions.
Sanusi said President Bola Tinubu faced difficult circumstances during the Niger crisis, having assumed office without a fully constituted cabinet, and noted that patience and dialogue could have produced a quicker resolution.
“I still think there is a great possibility for reconciliation. I am not pessimistic at all,” Sanusi said.
Referencing Britain’s exit from the European Union, he cautioned that political and economic consequences often followed decisions that weakened integration.
He cited markets in Kano as serving traders from Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana, demonstrating the importance of regional trade networks.
“An integration of 15 countries is better than one with 12 countries. The whole of Africa is better than just West Africa,” he said.
Regarding the proposed ECO currency, Sanusi said ECOWAS member states must first achieve economic convergence before pursuing a common regional currency.
The withdrawal of the three Sahel countries took effect on 29 January 2025, one year after their notifications to leave the bloc.
The three military-led nations have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as an alternative alliance.
