Shettima urges new ECOWAS leadership to prioritise regional unity

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to prioritise regional unity and integration in promoting development across the sub-region.

 

Shettima made the call on Friday in New York, United States, when he received a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, retired General Birame Diop.

 

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.

 

The Vice President urged the commission to build stronger relationships among member states and implement programmes capable of improving the livelihoods of people across West Africa.

 

“Beyond your administrative duties, your leadership of the commission must make deliberate efforts to build bridges of friendship across the sub-region,” Shettima said.

 

He also urged ECOWAS to strengthen engagement with emerging regional blocs, including the Alliance of Sahel States, AES.

 

“ECOWAS should be at the forefront of our engagement with emerging blocs in the area such as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES),” he said.

 

Shettima further called for greater private-sector participation in the implementation of the Lagos-Abidjan highway project.

 

“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 added.

 

He congratulated Diop on his election, noting that he assumed leadership of the commission at a challenging period that required greater cooperation among leaders and citizens of the sub-region.

 

Shettima assured the ECOWAS president of Nigeria’s continued support and cooperation.

 

Earlier, Diop commended Nigeria for its role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS, as well as its contributions to regional stability and development.

 

He expressed concern over insecurity and slow development in parts of West Africa, saying the commission faced challenges that required Nigeria’s intervention as a “big brother.”

 

Diop described ECOWAS as an important instrument for regional stability and called on member states to cooperate with Nigeria in promoting inclusive development across the sub-region.

 

The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, and officials of the ECOWAS Commission.