Nigeria urges ECOWAS to re-engage AES countries

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called upon the newly appointed leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to re-engage with countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which include Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made the plea during a handover ceremony for ECOWAS officials in Abuja.

Enikanolaiye emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to the growth, stability, and integration of ECOWAS, stating that peace and security are the foundation for economic cooperation. He urged the new ECOWAS leadership to prioritize the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, focusing on areas such as free movement, intra-regional trade, infrastructure development, food and energy security, youth and women's empowerment, and job creation.

The minister also called for improved financial probity, accountability, and prudent management of ECOWAS resources, stressing the need for the regional bloc to justify investments made by member states through the Community Levy.