Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening regional integration, democratic governance and collective security in West Africa, while condemning recent Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The position was presented by Nigeria’s representative on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
Addressing regional leaders, Nigeria described the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration as a milestone that would strengthen regional solidarity, economic cooperation and institutional reform across West Africa.
The delegation said Nigeria remained fully committed to implementing the Compact, noting that it aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and provides a practical framework for building a more resilient, prosperous and people-centred regional bloc serving more than 400 million citizens.
“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue promoting regional unity, peace, economic integration and democratic governance,” the representative said.
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Nigeria said sustainable regional prosperity would require expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, investment in regional value chains, improved infrastructure and strengthened food security.
The country also backed the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency and pledged continued support for initiatives that remove trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure and facilitate the free movement of people, goods and services across West Africa.
On security, Nigeria reiterated that peace and sustainable development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, reaffirming its support for constitutional governance, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
The delegation, however, stressed that good governance remained the most effective safeguard against coups and widespread protests.
“Beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens. We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes,” the representative said.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy across the region.
The country welcomed the Compact’s emphasis on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, saying initiatives such as a regional digital single market, artificial intelligence frameworks and stronger cybersecurity cooperation would create jobs, promote financial inclusion and accelerate economic diversification.
It also pledged continued investment in women and young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship and greater participation in leadership and decision-making.
On regional diplomacy, Nigeria urged stronger institutions built on transparency, accountability and sustainable financing, while calling for continued dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to preserve the unity and relevance of ECOWAS.
The Nigerian delegation also condemned what it described as recent Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
“Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the recent Afrophobic attacks on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” the representative said.
Nigeria supported Ghana’s proposal that the matter be presented at the next African Union Authority meeting to send a strong message that such attacks were unacceptable.
The delegation further reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s contribution to the country’s liberation struggle, saying the freedoms currently enjoyed by South Africans were made possible through the support of African countries, including Nigeria.
It disclosed that the Nigerian government had evacuated 1,490 citizens in seven batches following the attacks and remained prepared to engage the South African authorities on the issue.
Nigeria called on ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners, women and young people to support the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.
The delegation reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue to provide leadership in advancing a peaceful, secure, integrated and globally respected West Africa through sustained regional cooperation.
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