Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to prioritise regional unity and integration to promote economic growth and improve the welfare of people across the sub-region.
Shettima made the call on Friday in New York, United States, when he received a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, retired Gen. Birame Diop.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Vice President urged the new leadership to build bridges of friendship among member states and implement policies and programmes capable of improving the lives and livelihoods of citizens across the region.
He also called on the commission to give greater attention to private-sector participation in the implementation of the Lagos-Abidjan Highway project.
“Beyond your administrative duties, your leadership of the commission must make deliberate efforts to build bridges of friendship across the sub-region.
“ECOWAS should be at the forefront of our engagement with emerging blocs in the area such as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
“I urge ECOWAS under your leadership to champion the cause of regional integration and strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship among our people,” he said.
Shettima congratulated Diop on his election, noting that he assumed office at a challenging period that required greater cooperation and cohesion among leaders and citizens of the sub-region.
He assured the new ECOWAS president of Nigeria’s continued cooperation and support.
“My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is a man of honour and conviction who will always support efforts aimed at advancing the transformation of ECOWAS as a regional body and the progress of the area in general,” Shettima said.
He added that Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment for ECOWAS to succeed and contribute to achieving the vision and objectives of its founding fathers.
Earlier, Diop commended Nigeria for its role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS, as well as its sacrifices towards promoting stability and prosperity in the sub-region despite prevailing challenges.
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He expressed concern over rising insecurity and slow development across West Africa, saying the commission was facing unique challenges that required Nigeria’s intervention as a “big brother”.
Diop described ECOWAS as an important instrument for regional stability that should be supported and strengthened.
He also appealed to other countries in the sub-region to cooperate with Nigeria in promoting inclusive development and a better future for their citizens.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim; and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission, among others.
