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Nigeria has renewed its commitment to regional integration, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, said Nigeria remains committed to implementing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for building a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous West Africa.
Shettima congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on completing his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and praised Sierra Leone for successfully hosting the summit.
He also commended the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, describing it as an important contribution to regional cooperation and diplomacy.
The Vice President said Nigeria would continue supporting deeper economic integration by promoting intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development, investment, food security, and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.
According to him, regional prosperity depends on removing trade barriers, encouraging the free movement of people, goods and services, and creating a business-friendly environment.
On security, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and opposition to unconstitutional changes of government.
He said lasting development can only happen in a peaceful environment and pledged Nigeria’s support for strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, improving intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy.
The Vice President also stressed the importance of digital transformation, innovation, science and technology in driving economic growth and called for greater investment in women and young people.
He urged member states to strengthen ECOWAS institutions through transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainable funding to improve public trust and the implementation of regional decisions.
Recognising changing global political realities, Shettima called on ECOWAS member states to preserve the unity of the regional bloc through dialogue, solidarity and cooperation.
Shettima also condemned the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, calling for a united African response to tackle xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of Africans.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Government has successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerians affected by the attacks.
He said Nigeria would continue to engage with regional and continental institutions to address the issue and urged governments, development partners, civil society, the private sector, women, and young people to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.
The vice president said collective action remains essential to achieving lasting peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.
