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By Gloria Ikibah

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a more united, secure and economically integrated West Africa, urging ECOWAS member states to embrace good governance, strengthen democratic institutions and accelerate implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Summit of the Future in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Shettima said Nigeria remained committed to providing principled leadership in advancing peace, prosperity and regional cooperation.

He began by expressing appreciation to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the summit and congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on the inauguration of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre.

The Vice President commended President Bio’s stewardship of ECOWAS over the past year, describing his leadership as instrumental in sustaining dialogue and regional solidarity amid political, economic and security challenges.

He also praised the ECOWAS Commission for developing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a forward-looking roadmap for the region.

He said: “Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Compact, which represents a significant milestone in our regional integration journey. It reflects the collective resolve of Member States to renew the ideals of ECOWAS, strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”

According to Shettima, the Compact aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and extends the bloc’s collective aspirations towards 2075 by shifting the focus from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of the People.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with other member states to ensure the successful implementation of the Compact’s strategic pillars.

“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.”
On economic integration, Shettima stressed the need to expand regional trade, industrialisation and infrastructure while supporting the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.

“Nigeria remains committed to initiatives that remove trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and create an enabling environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive across West Africa”, he said.

Addressing governance and security, the Vice President said sustainable development could only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for constitutional governance, the rule of law and democratic principles.

“Beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests that are capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens. We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes”, he noted.

He further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to establishing the ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force and strengthening the regional Standby Force.

“Nigeria remains committed to the setting up of the Counter Terrorism Force, and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force in order to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy to safeguard peace and stability across our region”, he added.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation in driving regional development.

He welcomed plans to establish a Digital Single Market and regional frameworks for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

On youth and women, Shettima described them as West Africa’s greatest asset and called for greater investment in education, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.

“Nigeria remains dedicated to advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping the future of West Africa”, Shettima said.

Turning to institutional reforms, he stressed the importance of accountability, transparency and sustainable financing in restoring public confidence in ECOWAS.

He also called for stronger regional cooperation in response to changing global geopolitical realities.

On recent tensions within the region, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, particularly with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to dialogue, solidarity and constructive engagement, especially with the AES, as the foundation for preserving the unity, relevance, and future of ECOWAS”, he said.

The Vice President used the occasion to strongly condemn recent attacks on African nationals in South Africa.

Shettima also reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s role during the anti-apartheid struggle.

He disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remained prepared to continue diplomatic engagement on the matter.

“Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.

“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria”, he stated.

Backing Ghana’s earlier proposal, he urged ECOWAS to table the issue before the African Union.

“ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.”

Vice President Shettima therefore urged governments, regional institutions, civil society, development partners, the private sector, women and young people to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.

“The Compact provides a roadmap to strengthen regional unity, restore public trust, and build a more resilient and people-centred ECOWAS capable of effectively addressing current and future challenges.

“Nigeria will continue to provide principled leadership and work with all Member States to advance our shared vision of a peaceful, integrated, prosperous, secure and globally respected West Africa, in line with our aspirations”, Shettima said.