Shettima Urges ECOWAS to Rebuild Unity, Deepen Regional Integration
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called on the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to make regional unity and integration a priority, amid security and economic challenges affecting millions of people across West Africa.
Shettima made the call in New York when he received the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, retired General Birame Diop, who led a delegation to meet with the Vice President on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Beyond diplomatic relations among governments, Shettima said ECOWAS must focus on initiatives capable of improving the daily lives of citizens through greater economic cooperation, regional connectivity, security and development.
He urged the Commission to strengthen ties among member states while exploring greater cooperation with emerging regional blocs, including the Alliance of Sahel States.
The Vice President also called for increased private-sector participation in the Lagos-Abidjan Highway project, describing regional infrastructure and connectivity as important tools for unlocking trade and economic opportunities across West Africa.
For traders, transport operators, businesses and communities along the West African corridor, stronger regional integration could mean easier movement of goods and people, wider markets and improved economic opportunities.
Shettima assured the ECOWAS leadership of Nigeria’s continued support, noting that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to strengthening the regional organisation.
Responding, General Diop commended Nigeria for its longstanding contribution to the establishment, stability and development of ECOWAS.
He acknowledged the security and development challenges confronting the regional bloc and called for Nigeria’s continued support and leadership in addressing the difficulties facing West Africa.
The meeting comes at a time when the future of regional cooperation remains a major concern, particularly as West African countries confront insecurity, economic pressures and questions over the direction of regional integration.
For ordinary citizens, the stakes go beyond diplomatic meetings. The strength of ECOWAS has direct implications for cross-border trade, transportation, employment, investment, security and the ability of West Africans to move and do business across neighbouring countries.
