Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritize regional unity and integration. This, he believes, can be achieved by fostering friendships and implementing policies that positively impact the lives of people across the sub-region. Shettima made these remarks in New York, United States, during a meeting with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Generale Birame Diop.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Shettima emphasized the importance of private sector participation in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project. He encouraged the new leadership to build bridges of friendship across the sub-region and champion regional integration. ECOWAS, he said, should be at the forefront of engagement with emerging blocs, such as the Alliance of Sahel States.
Shettima congratulated Generale Diop on his election, noting that he assumed office at a challenging time that requires greater synergy and cohesion among leaders and people in the sub-region. The Vice President assured Diop of Nigeria's continuous cooperation and support. He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to advancing ECOWAS's transformation and the sub-region's progress.
Earlier, Generale Diop acknowledged Nigeria's role in establishing and sustaining ECOWAS over the years. He praised Nigeria's sacrifices for the stability and prosperity of the sub-region despite challenges. Diop stated that the commission faces unique challenges that require Nigeria's direct intervention as a "big brother" to be successfully resolved.
Diop described ECOWAS as a tool for regional stability that should be encouraged and supported. He 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 Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other top officials.
The new ECOWAS Commission president emphasized the need for collective efforts to address rising concerns regarding insecurity and lagging development across the sub-region. He called for cooperation to create an enabling environment for ECOWAS to succeed and contribute meaningfully to its vision and objectives.
The discussion highlights the significance of Nigeria's role in ECOWAS and the sub-region's progress. The Vice President's call for regional unity and integration underscores the need for collective efforts to drive growth and development. The new ECOWAS Commission leadership will focus on implementing policies and programs that positively impact the lives of people across the sub-region.
Key points
- The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has urged the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritize regional unity and integration to advance the sub-region's economy and people's progress.
- Shettima emphasized the importance of private sector participation in the execution of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project.
- The new ECOWAS Commission president, Generale Birame Diop, acknowledged Nigeria's role in establishing and sustaining ECOWAS over the years.
