Nigeria has called for a stronger, more united and forward-looking Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging member states to deepen regional integration, confront growing security threats collectively and sustain dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to preserve the cohesion of the sub-region.

The country also condemned the recent wave of Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable and contrary to the ideals of African unity.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call on Sunday while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement before regional leaders, Shettima said the challenges confronting West Africa, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, economic pressures and climate-induced humanitarian crises, require greater solidarity and stronger regional institutions.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic blueprint for building a peaceful, prosperous and resilient West Africa.

According to him, Nigeria remains committed to the founding ideals of ECOWAS and will continue to champion democratic governance, regional peace, economic integration and the free movement of people, goods and services across member states.

The Vice President stressed that regional prosperity would depend on dismantling barriers to trade, investing in cross-border infrastructure and accelerating the implementation of initiatives capable of unlocking the region’s enormous economic potential.

He urged member states to work towards the realisation of the ECO single currency, deepen intra-African trade and strengthen regional value chains to improve competitiveness and attract greater investment.

On the security front, Shettima said terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime continued to threaten the stability of West Africa, calling for enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations and stronger preventive diplomacy.

He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, noting that security remains indispensable to sustainable development.

The Vice President, however, maintained that military action alone would not guarantee lasting peace, insisting that inclusive governance, economic opportunities and responsive public institutions remain the most effective safeguards against instability and unconstitutional takeovers.

Shettima also advocated greater regional collaboration in digital technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and innovation, saying investments in digital infrastructure would accelerate economic transformation, create jobs and expand opportunities for the region’s growing youth population.

He called for increased investment in women and young people, describing them as critical drivers of West Africa’s future growth and development.

On the future of the regional bloc, the Vice President urged ECOWAS leaders to continue engaging the Alliance of Sahel States through constructive dialogue, saying preserving regional unity should remain a collective priority despite existing political differences.

Turning to recent developments in Southern Africa, Shettima strongly condemned the Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

He urged ECOWAS to raise the matter at the African Union level to send a clear signal that attacks targeting fellow Africans have no place on the continent.

The Vice President disclosed that Nigeria had successfully evacuated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven separate batches and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of Nigerians wherever they reside.

He called on African leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and stronger people-to-people ties, stressing that the African Continental Free Trade Area and the continent’s integration agenda could only flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect and security.

Shettima urged governments, regional institutions, the private sector, development partners, women and youth organisations to work together in implementing the ECOWAS reform agenda, insisting that only a united West Africa can effectively confront emerging challenges and secure lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity for its people.