At UNGA, Shettima Tasks ECOWAS Leadership on Sub-region’s Unity, Integration

Vice President Kashim Shettima called on the new ECOWAS Commission leadership to prioritize regional unity and integration during his meeting with the ECOWAS delegation led by General Birame Diop at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima emphasized that this could be achieved through building friendships and implementing programs and policies that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of people across the sub-region.

In particular, he urged the new leadership to take private sector participation seriously in the Lagos-Abidjan highway project.

Shettima congratulated General Diop on his election as ECOWAS Commission president, acknowledging that he took office at a challenging time requiring greater synergy and cohesion among leaders and people of the sub-region. He assured the new president of Nigeria's continued cooperation and support, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his boss, is a man of honor and conviction who will always back initiatives aimed at advancing ECOWAS' transformation and the region's progress.

General Diop praised Nigeria for its contributions to the establishment and maintenance of ECOWAS, as well as its sacrifices for the sub-region's stability and prosperity. He highlighted the commission's unique challenges, such as rising concerns about insecurity and slow development, which require Nigeria's direct intervention as a "big brother" to overcome successfully. Diop urged the sub-region's countries to cooperate with Nigeria to promote inclusive development and a better future for the region's people.