Nigeria urges ECOWAS to re-engage AES countries

The Nigerian government has called upon the newly appointed leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to engage more closely with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries, describing them as "brothers and sisters" with shared challenges and aspirations. This call was made by Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during the handover ceremony for ECOWAS institutions in Abuja.

Enikanolaiye emphasized Nigeria's commitment to the progress, growth, and stability of ECOWAS, reiterating the importance of peace and security as the foundation for economic integration. He urged the new leadership to maintain focus on the vision of the founding fathers for a united, peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa.

Enikanolaiye also stressed the need for the new leadership to prioritize the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which aims for "Peace and Prosperity for All," and to address areas such as free movement, intra-regional trade and investment, infrastructure development, food and energy security, and job creation.