The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming economic diplomacy throughout West Africa. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated that in order for the regional body to build an integrated and prosperous sub-region that benefits all of its citizens and is propelled by trade, infrastructure, and coherent policy, there was a need for deliberate regional cooperation among member states.
At a dinner for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit in Abuja, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the significance of turning words into deeds. He claimed that the summit, which was held over the weekend at the State House, represents a strategic change in the economic outlook for the area—moving away from lofty goals and toward observable outcomes.
According to him, while important programs like the West African Power Pool, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, and the Abidjan-Lagos highway project have set the groundwork for regional integration, more cooperative efforts are needed to guarantee that these frameworks result in actual development for the populace. One important initiative to support the free flow of people and goods across borders is the 1,028-kilometer Abidjan-Lagos corridor, which will connect five nations.
While intraregional trade in Asia makes up 60% and Europe 70% of trade, Tinubu noted that Africa only makes up 15%, with West Africa falling even further behind. Shettima cited the President as saying, “We are assembling here not just to talk, but to act.” “This summit is a statement of intent—a focal point to involve the public and private sectors in creating a new economic structure for our area.”
Tinubu pointed out that the political will to remove obstacles and promote policy stability would be necessary to realize the region’s economic potential. He cautioned against letting fragmented policies and bureaucracy impede trade and innovation. “We are here to lead, not to moan. “Missed opportunities will no longer define our region; instead, shared prosperity will,” he said.
The President also underlined how crucial it is to actively engage the private sector in the sub-region’ economic transformation. “The government is not solely responsible for our region’s future,” he stated. “It resides in our ability to integrate the private sector into regional planning and implementation.”
Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, echoed Tinubu’s remarks by praising Nigeria’s leadership in promoting economic growth and regional unity. He praised President Tinubu’s administration for its steadfast dedication to regional stability, peace, and development and emphasized the Nigerian government’s continuous support of ECOWAS institutions.
Speaking to the audience as well, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, characterized the summit as a daring recommitment to tearing down the obstacles impeding regional development. In order to harness the energy and inventiveness of the youth, who she described as essential to the region’s long-term transformation, regional leaders are collaborating closely with stakeholders and development partners, she said.
Given that many West African economies are still dealing with issues like border restrictions and uneven policy environments, the event was held against the backdrop of growing calls for greater regional integration. Nonetheless, leaders are increasingly agreeing that attaining economic resilience requires a coordinated strategy.
The key message from the conclusion of the West African Economic Summit was acknowledged by member countries present. It hinges on the urgency for West Africa to move from disarray to collaboration, from lost opportunities to opportunities for collaboration, and from plans to execution.
