Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritize regional unity and integration during a meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA session. The address, delivered to a delegation led by ECOWAS Commission President Birame Diop—a retired general—emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration to advance economic and social progress across the West African sub-region. Shettima underscored the importance of fostering 'bridges of friendship' through policies that directly improve livelihoods, while also urging the commission to engage proactively with emerging regional blocs like the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Shettima specifically highlighted the urgency of private sector involvement in the Lagos-Abidjan highway project, a flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would back efforts to strengthen the organization’s role as a catalyst for regional transformation. The vice president also called for cohesive leadership among ECOWAS members to address shared challenges, including insecurity and underdevelopment, which he described as requiring 'greater synergy and cohesion.'
ECOWAS President Diop acknowledged Nigeria’s historical contributions to the organization’s stability and growth, noting that the country’s 'sacrifices' have been critical to the sub-region’s prosperity. He emphasized the need for member states to collaborate with Nigeria, which he described as a 'big brother' capable of addressing pressing issues. Diop also reiterated the commission’s mandate to serve as a tool for regional stability, urging member nations to prioritize inclusive development and collective progress. The meeting, attended by Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior officials, underscored the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in advancing ECOWAS’s objectives.
The exchange occurred amid broader discussions on regional integration, with Shettima’s remarks reflecting Nigeria’s continued influence in shaping ECOWAS’s agenda. Analysts note that the organization’s effectiveness hinges on resolving internal divisions and leveraging the expertise of its members. As ECOWAS navigates complex geopolitical and economic challenges, the dialogue between Nigeria and the commission highlights the critical role of leadership in fostering unity and driving sustainable development across West Africa.