Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission to prioritize regional unity and integration. This, he believes, will advance the progress of the sub-region's people and economy. Shettima made this call in New York, United States, during a meeting with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Birame Diop. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima emphasized that building bridges of friendship and promoting programs and policies that significantly impact the lives of people across the sub-region are crucial. He encouraged the new leadership to take private sector participation seriously in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project. The Vice President also stressed the importance of ECOWAS being at the forefront of engagement with emerging blocs in the area, such as the Alliance of Sahel States.
The ECOWAS Commission's new President, Birame Diop, a retired General, assumed office at a challenging time that requires greater synergy and cohesion among leaders and people of the sub-region. Shettima congratulated Diop on his election and assured him of Nigeria's continuous cooperation and support. He mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to supporting efforts aimed at advancing the transformation of ECOWAS.
Diop eulogized Nigeria for its role in establishing and sustaining ECOWAS over the years, as well as its sacrifices for the stability and prosperity of the sub-region. He noted that despite challenges, ECOWAS is a tool for regional stability that should be encouraged and supported. The new president urged other countries in the sub-region to cooperate with Nigeria to ensure inclusive development and a better future for the region's people.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi. Also present were Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 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 faces unique challenges, including rising concerns regarding insecurity and lagging development. The Vice President's emphasis on private sector participation and cooperation among member states is expected to shape the commission's agenda under Diop's leadership.
The new ECOWAS Commission leadership is expected to champion the cause of regional integration and strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship among the sub-region's people. With Nigeria's support, the commission aims to create an enabling environment for its vision and objectives to be achieved, ultimately contributing to the progress of the sub-region.
Key points
- Shettima urges ECOWAS Commission to prioritize regional unity and integration.
- The new ECOWAS Commission leadership is expected to champion regional integration and strengthen unity among member states.
- Nigeria pledges continuous cooperation and support to the ECOWAS Commission under Diop's leadership.
