Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, peace, security, and democratic governance across West Africa during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima underscored Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, calling it a strategic blueprint for constructing a resilient and inclusive regional community.
Addressing regional leaders, the Vice President highlighted key priorities for West African growth, including the expansion of intra-regional trade, infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, food security, and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency. He stressed that economic prosperity hinges on dismantling trade barriers and guaranteeing the free movement of goods, services, and people.
On regional stability, Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional changes of government, advocating for a strengthened ECOWAS Standby Force, enhanced intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation, and preventive diplomacy.
”Sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” Shettima said, while also urging member states to prioritize digital transformation, institutional accountability, and investments in youth and women.
The Vice President commended Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio for hosting the summit, completing his tenure as ECOWAS Chairman, and commissioning the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre.
Turning to broader continental issues, Shettima strongly condemned recent Afrophobic and xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. He revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated 1,490 citizens impacted by the violence, calling for unified action through regional and continental bodies to safeguard the rights and dignity of all Africans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, noted that Nigeria remains committed to preserving ECOWAS unity through dialogue and constructive engagement with all member states amid an evolving global geopolitical climate.
