Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has praised the dedication of ECOWAS leaders in their efforts to reform economic diplomacy in West Africa, aiming to create a sub-region that benefits all. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at a dinner for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu highlighted initiatives like the trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool, and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor as foundational steps towards a more integrated region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu compared West Africa’s economic performance to other world regions, noting that Asia conducts 60 percent of its trade internally, Europe 70 percent, while Africa lags at 15 percent, with West Africa performing even worse. Tinubu emphasized the importance of building upon the established frameworks to enhance regional cooperation.
President Tinubu stressed that the West African Economic Summit marked a new phase in economic diplomacy, bringing together leaders and thinkers to chart the region’s future. He underscored the importance of involving the private sector in regional planning, asserting that the future of West Africa relies on collaboration beyond governmental efforts.
He called on political leaders across Africa to take a proactive role in facilitating commerce and innovation, ensuring that bureaucratic hurdles do not hinder progress. Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to creating a West Africa that functions effectively for all its inhabitants.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, praised Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s dedication to regional peace and progress. He expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support of ECOWAS and its institutions.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, emphasized the renewed commitment of leaders and stakeholders to a prosperous West African sub-region. She highlighted ongoing collaborations aimed at harnessing the potential of the region’s youth to advance development goals.