Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, peace, security, 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). Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit, which was held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The Vice President underscored Nigeria's continued support for the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework for building a more resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and people-centred Community.
Shettima commended the government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the summit and congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Vice President also lauded the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, describing it as a significant contribution to regional diplomacy and cooperation. On the economic front, Nigeria reaffirmed its support for deeper integration through expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure connectivity, investment promotion, food security, and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency. Shettima stressed that 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, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. The Vice President emphasised that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability and reaffirmed Nigeria's support for strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force, enhancing intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and preventive diplomacy across the region. He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, innovation, science and technology in accelerating regional economic growth, while advocating greater investment in women and youth as critical drivers of West Africa's development. He further called for stronger ECOWAS institutions founded on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and sustainable financing to enhance public confidence and improve the implementation of regional decisions.
Addressing the recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, Shettima strongly condemned the violence and called for a united African response to combat xenophobia and protect the rights and dignity of all Africans. He disclosed that the Federal Government had successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerian citizens affected by the attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to engaging relevant regional and continental institutions to address the issue. Nigeria supported Ghana's proposal that the matter be presented at the next African Union Authority meeting to send a strong message that such attacks are unacceptable, and reminded South Africa of Nigeria's contribution to the country's liberation struggle.
The Vice President called on member states, regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society, women, and young people to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact, noting that collective action remains essential to achieving lasting peace, security, and prosperity across the sub-region. He urged regional leaders to remain steadfast in advancing a shared vision of a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. The summit also saw the election of Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, succeeding Sierra Leone's Julius Maada Bio. General Birame Diop, former Minister of Defence of Senegal, was appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission, effective September 1, 2026.
Nigeria's presence at the summit further demonstrated its commitment to regional diplomacy and its determination to strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states. The high-level gathering brought together Heads of State, government officials, diplomats, and development partners from across West Africa to discuss key regional issues, including peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development.
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