Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission to prioritize regional unity and integration to advance the progress of the sub-region's people and economy. He made this appeal on Friday in New York, United States, when he met with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, retired Gen. Birame Diop. The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima emphasized the need for the commission to build bridges of friendship and promote programs and policies that would significantly impact the lives and livelihoods of people across the sub-region. He also urged the new leadership to take private sector participation seriously in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project. This project is expected to boost economic integration and development in the region.
The Vice President congratulated Gen. Diop on his election, noting that he assumed office at a difficult time that would require greater synergy and cohesion among leaders and people of the sub-region. Shettima assured Diop of Nigeria's continuous cooperation and support, saying that President Bola Tinubu would always support efforts aimed at advancing the transformation of ECOWAS.
Earlier, Gen. Diop eulogized Nigeria for its role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS over the years. He commended Nigeria for its sacrifices towards the stability and prosperity of the sub-region, despite the challenges. Diop decried rising concerns regarding insecurity and lagging development across the sub-region.
Gen. Diop said the commission was facing unique challenges that required Nigeria's direct intervention as a "big brother" to be successfully resolved. He described ECOWAS as a tool for regional stability that should be encouraged and supported at all times. The commission's president appealed to other countries in the sub-region to cooperate with Nigeria to ensure inclusive development and a better future for the people of the sub-region.
The meeting had in attendance Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi. Others included Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, and top officials from the ECOWAS Commission.
Shettima's call for regional unity and integration comes at a time when the sub-region is facing significant challenges, including insecurity and economic development. The ECOWAS Commission's new leadership has a critical role to play in addressing these challenges and promoting the progress of the sub-region's people and economy.
Key points
- Shettima urges ECOWAS to prioritize regional unity and integration.
- The new ECOWAS leadership is expected to take private sector participation seriously in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project.
- Nigeria has pledged its continuous cooperation and support to the ECOWAS Commission under Gen. Diop's leadership.
