Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Regional Integration at 69th ECOWAS Summit
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima said Nigeria remained fully committed to implementing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic roadmap for building a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive and people-centred West African community.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice President commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for successfully hosting the summit and congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on the completion of his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority. He also praised the inauguration of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre as a landmark contribution to regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s support for deeper economic integration through expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development, investment promotion, food security and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency. He stressed that removing barriers to trade and promoting the free movement of persons, goods and services were essential to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
On security, the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
He called for strengthened regional efforts through the ECOWAS Standby Force, improved intelligence sharing, enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy to address emerging security challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, science, technology and innovation in driving economic growth while advocating greater investment in women and youth as key drivers of development. Shettima further urged stronger ECOWAS institutions anchored on transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainable financing to improve the implementation of regional decisions.
Acknowledging the changing global geopolitical environment, the Vice President called on member states to preserve the unity and relevance of ECOWAS through dialogue, solidarity and constructive engagement.
On the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, Shettima strongly condemned the incidents and called for a united African response against xenophobia. He disclosed that the Federal Government had successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerian citizens affected by the attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with regional and continental institutions to address the issue.
The Vice President concluded by urging ECOWAS member states, development partners, the private sector, civil society, women and youth to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact, stressing that collective action remains vital to achieving lasting peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development across West Africa.
The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
