Shettima urges new ECOWAS leadership to prioritise unity, integration

Africa, Politics

NEW YORK, United States (Agency Report) — Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission to prioritise regional unity and integration to advance the progress of the sub-region’s people and economy.

Shettima made the call on Friday in New York when he received an ECOWAS delegation on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The delegation was led by the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Senegalese retired Gen. Birame Diop.

Advertisement

Shettima urged the commission to build bridges of friendship across the sub-region and promote programmes and policies capable of significantly improving the lives and livelihoods of its people.

He also called on the new ECOWAS leadership to prioritise private-sector participation in the execution 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.

The vice president congratulated Diop on his election, noting that he assumed office at a difficult time that required greater synergy and cohesion among the leaders and people of the sub-region.

Shettima assured Diop of Nigeria’s continued cooperation and support.

He said President Bola Tinubu would support efforts aimed at strengthening ECOWAS and advancing the development of the sub-region.

“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,” he said.

Shettima said Nigeria would continue to create an enabling environment for ECOWAS to succeed and contribute meaningfully to achieving the vision and objectives set by its founding fathers.

Earlier, Diop commended Nigeria for its role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS over the years.

He also acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions towards the stability and prosperity of the sub-region despite the challenges facing the region.

Diop expressed concern over rising insecurity and lagging development across the sub-region.

He said the commission was facing unique challenges that required Nigeria’s direct intervention as a “big brother” to help resolve them.

The ECOWAS Commission president described the regional body as an instrument for regional stability that should be encouraged and supported.

He also appealed to other countries in the sub-region to cooperate with Nigeria to promote inclusive development and a better future for the people.

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.

NAN