Shettima Urges New ECOWAS Leadership to Prioritise Regional Unity, Integration
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to prioritise regional unity and integration to promote economic growth and improve the livelihoods of people 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, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President urged the new leadership to build bridges of friendship among member states and promote policies and programmes capable of delivering tangible benefits to citizens across West Africa.
He specifically called for greater private-sector participation in the implementation of the Lagos-Abidjan Highway project, stressing the importance of developing regional infrastructure through stronger partnerships.
“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),” Shettima said.
“I urge ECOWAS under your leadership to champion the cause of regional integration and strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship among our people.”
Shettima congratulated General Diop on his assumption of office, noting that the new leadership had taken over at a challenging period that required greater cooperation and cohesion among leaders and citizens of the sub-region.
He assured Diop of Nigeria’s continued cooperation and support, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would support efforts aimed at strengthening ECOWAS and advancing the development of the region.
The Vice President added that Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment for ECOWAS to succeed and contribute to the objectives established by the organisation’s founding fathers.
In his remarks, Diop commended Nigeria for its historic role in the establishment and sustenance of ECOWAS, as well as its contributions to regional stability and prosperity.
The new ECOWAS Commission President said rising insecurity, development challenges and other concerns confronting the sub-region required stronger cooperation, including Nigeria’s support as a key member of the regional bloc.
He described ECOWAS as an important instrument for regional stability and called on member states to work with Nigeria to promote inclusive development and a better future for the people of West Africa.
General Diop assumed office as President of the ECOWAS Commission in August 2026, succeeding Dr Omar Alieu Touray of The Gambia.
Also present at the meeting were 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 senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission.
Shettima Urges New ECOWAS Leadership to Prioritise Regional Unity, Integration