The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a key player in West Africa's economic and political landscape. The organisation was established in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos by 15 West and Central African countries.
At the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu. He underscored Nigeria's continued support for the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.
According to Shettima, the ECOWAS Compact is a strategic framework for building a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and people-centered community. He described it as a vital instrument for achieving regional prosperity, peace, and security.
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 of Heads of State and Government. He also lauded the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, describing it as a significant contribution to regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Nigeria reaffirmed its 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. The Vice President stressed that regional prosperity depends on removing barriers to trade, facilitating the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
On peace and security, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. The Vice President emphasised that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability and reaffirmed Nigeria's support for strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, enhancing intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation, and preventive diplomacy across the region.
Shettima also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, innovation, science, and technology in accelerating regional economic growth. He advocated greater investment in women and youth as critical drivers of West Africa's development.
The Vice President urged regional leaders to remain steadfast in advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. He called on member states, regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society, women, and young people to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.
Addressing the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, the Vice President condemned the attacks and called for a united African response to combat xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of all Africans. Nigeria had successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerian citizens affected by the attacks, and Shettima noted that the Federal Government would continue to engage relevant regional and continental institutions to address the issue.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to engaging relevant regional and continental institutions to address the issue. He urged collective action to achieve lasting peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development across the sub-region.
The ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration aims to achieve regional prosperity, peace, and security by 2030. The compact provides a common vision and a shared roadmap for the region's development.
Nigeria's support for the ECOWAS Compact is a crucial step towards achieving regional integration. The Vice President's commitment to implementing the compact demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to regional prosperity and peace.
The ECOWAS region faces numerous challenges, including poverty, inequality, and security threats. The organisation's efforts to strengthen regional institutions, enhance cooperation, and promote peace and stability are crucial to addressing these challenges.
The ECOWAS Secretariat is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Secretariat works with member states and regional institutions to promote regional integration and development.
The ECOWAS Standby Force is a regional peacekeeping operation that aims to promote peace and stability in the region. The force is established under Article 56 of the ECOWAS Treaty and is mandated to respond to security threats in the region.
In the wake of the Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, ECOWAS leaders called for a united African response to combat xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of all Africans.
The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts regional and international conferences. The centre was commissioned during the ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone.
Shettima's remarks at the ECOWAS summit reflect Nigeria's commitment to regional integration and development. The Vice President's call for strong ECOWAS institutions founded on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and sustainable financing demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to regional prosperity and peace.
The ECOWAS region is home to over 350 million people, making it one of the most populous regions in the world. The region's economic growth and development are critical to the prosperity of West Africa.
Nigeria's support for the ECOWAS Compact is a key step towards achieving regional integration. The Vice President's commitment to implementing the compact demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to regional prosperity and peace.
The ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration provides a common vision and a shared roadmap for the region's development. The compact aims to achieve regional prosperity, peace, and security by 2030.
Africa has a long history of colonialism and slavery. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape the continent's politics, economy, and society.
Shettima's commitment to addressing the legacy of colonialism reflects Nigeria's efforts to promote regional integration and development.
ECOWAS leaders called for strong regional institutions founded on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and sustainable financing. The leaders emphasized the importance of regional institutions in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre was commissioned during the ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone. The centre was built to host regional and international conferences and to promote regional cooperation and diplomacy.
Shettima's remarks at the ECOWAS summit emphasized the importance of regional integration and cooperation. The Vice President's call for strong ECOWAS institutions founded on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and sustainable financing reflects Nigeria's commitment to regional prosperity and peace.
Africa is home to over 55 countries, with a combined population of over 1.3 billion people. The continent's economic growth and development are critical to its prosperity.