Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States to focus on strengthening cooperation among member countries and advancing regional integration.
He made the call on Friday during a meeting with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission in New York, United States.
The delegation was headed by the commission’s newly elected President, retired Gen. Birame Diop. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima said ECOWAS needed to pursue initiatives that would have a direct impact on the economic wellbeing and livelihoods of people within the region.
He urged the commission to improve relations among member states and develop stronger partnerships, while also calling for meaningful private sector involvement in 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 and noted that his tenure began at a period when greater cooperation was required to address challenges confronting the sub-region.
He assured the ECOWAS leadership of Nigeria’s continued support and cooperation.
“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.
Shettima added that Nigeria would continue to support efforts aimed at enabling ECOWAS to fulfil the goals and aspirations established by its founding members.
In his remarks, Diop acknowledged Nigeria’s historical contribution to the establishment and continued development of ECOWAS.
He commended the country for its efforts and sacrifices towards maintaining stability and promoting prosperity across West Africa despite the difficulties confronting the region.
The ECOWAS president raised concerns over insecurity and inadequate development in parts of the sub-region, saying the commission was facing challenges that demanded stronger cooperation.
He said Nigeria, as a “big brother”, had an important role to play in helping the organisation tackle the difficulties.
Diop described ECOWAS as a key platform for maintaining stability in West Africa and called for continued backing for the regional body.
He also urged other member states to work with Nigeria to promote inclusive development and create better prospects for people across the sub-region.
Those present at the meeting included the 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.
