Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa, while calling for stronger cooperation among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, said Nigeria remained committed to implementing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic roadmap for building a resilient, prosperous, inclusive and people-centred regional bloc.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Vice President 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 as a boost to regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for deeper economic integration through expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure connectivity, investment promotion, food security and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.
He stressed that regional prosperity depends on removing barriers to trade, promoting the free movement of persons, goods and services, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
On security, the Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. He emphasised the need to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force, improve intelligence sharing, deepen counter-terrorism cooperation and enhance preventive diplomacy to tackle emerging security challenges across the region.
Shettima also advocated greater investment in digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, as well as women and youth, describing them as critical drivers of West Africa’s economic growth and development. He further called for stronger ECOWAS institutions built on transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainable financing.
Addressing the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, the Vice President strongly 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 pledged Nigeria’s continued engagement with regional and continental institutions to address the issue.
Shettima urged ECOWAS leaders to preserve the unity and relevance of the regional bloc through dialogue, solidarity and constructive engagement, while calling on member states, development partners, the private sector, civil society, women and youths to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for lasting peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development across West Africa.
