Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Regional Integration, Peace, Security At  69th ECOWAS Summit

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa, urging leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen collaboration in addressing the region’s political, economic and security challenges.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Shettima said Nigeria remained fully committed to the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for building “a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive and people-centred Community.”

The Vice President congratulated Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the summit.

He also praised the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, describing it as “a significant contribution to regional diplomacy and cooperation.”

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional economic integration, Shettima called for expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure connectivity, investment promotion, food security and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.

According to him, “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 regional peace and security, the Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s support for constitutional governance, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.

He stressed that “sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” adding that Nigeria would continue to support the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy across the sub-region.

According Shettima also underscored the importance of digital transformation, innovation, science and technology in accelerating economic growth, while calling for increased investment in women and young people as key drivers of West Africa’s future.

He advocated stronger ECOWAS institutions anchored on transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainable financing to improve public confidence and ensure the effective implementation of regional decisions.
Recognising the changing global geopolitical environment, the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the unity and relevance of ECOWAS through dialogue, solidarity and constructive engagement.

He urged regional leaders to remain committed to “advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, integrated and prosperous West Africa.”

Addressing the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, Shettima condemned the violence and called for a united continental response to xenophobia.

He said, “Nigeria strongly condemns the attacks and calls for a united African response to combat xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of all Africans.”
The Vice President 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.

In his closing remarks, Shettima appealed to ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations, women and young people to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.

He noted that “collective action remains essential to achieving lasting peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development across the sub-region.”