Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to intensify efforts toward rebuilding regional unity and strengthening economic integration across West Africa.
Shettima made the call on Friday in New York, United States, during a meeting with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its newly elected President, Gen. Birame Diop (retd).
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President urged the commission to focus on policies and programmes capable of improving the livelihoods of citizens across the sub-region, while promoting stronger ties among member states.
He also called for greater engagement between ECOWAS and emerging regional blocs, particularly the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stressing the need to reduce divisions and strengthen cooperation.
According to Shettima, ECOWAS should play a leading role in building bridges of friendship across West Africa and advancing initiatives that directly benefit the region’s population.
He specifically urged the commission to give greater attention to private sector participation in the development of the Lagos-Abidjan highway, describing the project as an important component of regional integration and economic connectivity.
Shettima congratulated Diop on his emergence as President of the ECOWAS Commission, noting that he assumed office at a challenging period that demanded increased cooperation among leaders and citizens of the sub-region.
He assured the new ECOWAS leadership of Nigeria’s continued support and cooperation.
The Vice President said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to efforts aimed at strengthening ECOWAS and advancing the organisation’s founding objectives.
Earlier, Diop acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding contribution to the establishment and development of ECOWAS, as well as its role in promoting stability and prosperity across the region.
The ECOWAS Commission President expressed concern over insecurity and slow development in parts of West Africa, saying the challenges facing the bloc required stronger cooperation among member states.
He appealed to Nigeria and other countries in the region to work together toward achieving inclusive development and improving the future of West Africans.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim; and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.
