LUNGI, Sierra Leone — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening regional integration in West Africa, while strongly condemning recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and the Summit of the Future in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Shettima urged member states to unite behind the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a critical roadmap for the region’s stability and prosperity.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to promoting economic integration, expanding intra-regional trade, and supporting the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.
The Vice President also underscored the importance of peace, security, and democratic governance, warning that sustainable development cannot thrive amid instability. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for constitutional governance, rule of law, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government across the region.
On security, Shettima pledged Nigeria’s backing for the establishment of a regional counter-terrorism force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to tackle terrorism and enhance intelligence sharing.
He further highlighted the need for investment in technology and digital transformation, including the creation of a regional digital single market to drive innovation, job creation, and economic diversification, especially for young people.
Addressing recent tensions, Shettima said Nigeria remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement to preserve ECOWAS unity, particularly amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
On the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Vice President condemned the violence in strong terms and called for a unified ECOWAS response, urging that the matter be escalated to the African Union.
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He disclosed that the Nigerian government has evacuated over 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remains ready to take further diplomatic steps.
Shettima further called on governments, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development partners to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact, emphasizing that collective action is essential to building a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centred West Africa.
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