The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, peace and security as it participates in high-level discussions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Dakar, Senegal.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the first round of discussions, which began on Friday, to develop a common position on issues affecting relations between ECOWAS and the AES member states.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a press release issued in Abuja on Friday.
According to the ministry, the meeting is aimed at aligning the strategic positions of ECOWAS member states and facilitating structured discussions with the AES at ministerial and technical levels.
The engagement is expected to produce agreement on a draft General Framework Agreement between ECOWAS and AES member states ahead of the regional bloc’s end-of-year summit scheduled to hold in Abuja in December 2026.
The ministry said the discussions represent a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore regional cohesion and preserve the gains of regional integration.
It added that Nigeria, as a founding member of ECOWAS, remains committed to maintaining peace, security and cooperation among West African countries.
The ministry further explained that Enikanolaiye’s participation underscores Nigeria’s determination to ensure that the withdrawal of AES member states from ECOWAS does not undermine the longstanding cultural and geographical ties among countries in the sub-region.
READ ALSO: One Injured, NEMA Responds to Building Collapse in Abuja
CITA Energies Urges Dangote Refinery to Scrap Jet A1 Premium
The discussions form part of broader diplomatic efforts to address shared regional concerns and maintain cooperation between ECOWAS and the AES countries despite their political and institutional differences.
The outcome of the engagement is expected to shape further negotiations and provide a framework for discussions at the December summit in Abuja.
About The Author
