Nigeria backs deeper regional integration, peace at ECOWAS summit
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deeper regional integration, democratic governance, peace and sustainable development across West Africa at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
The position was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the summit, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Shettima said Nigeria remained committed to implementing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic roadmap for building a more resilient, prosperous and people-centred West African community.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration as a strategic framework for building a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive and people-centred Community,” the Vice President said.
He said Nigeria would continue to support initiatives aimed at expanding 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 peace and security, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and opposition to unconstitutional changes of government.
“Sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” he said, while calling for stronger support for the ECOWAS Standby Force, enhanced intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy across the region.
