President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to speak with one voice in condemning the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The President made the call during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
President Tinubu said a united condemnation by African leaders would send a strong message that xenophobia and all forms of intolerance have no place on the continent. He urged ECOWAS to formally present the issue at the next African Union Heads of State meeting to reinforce Africa’s collective position against attacks on fellow Africans.
The Nigerian leader reminded South Africa that the freedom it enjoys today was achieved through the sacrifices and solidarity of several African nations, including Nigeria, during the struggle against apartheid.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has already evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remains prepared to take additional measures to protect its citizens.
Beyond the security concerns, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for strengthening trust, regional solidarity, and cooperation among member states.
According to him, the Compact reflects the collective determination of West African leaders to build a more peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centred community capable of meeting the aspirations of over 400 million citizens.
Tinubu also stressed the need for stronger regional efforts to combat terrorism, insecurity, and unconstitutional changes of government. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the establishment of an ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and preventive diplomacy across the region.
On economic integration, the President called for the removal of trade barriers, improved cross-border infrastructure, and the free movement of people, goods, and services to unlock greater opportunities for businesses and investors across West Africa.
He further highlighted the importance of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, welcoming the Compact’s plans for a regional Digital Single Market, artificial intelligence frameworks, cybersecurity cooperation, and expanded digital infrastructure.
President Tinubu noted that these initiatives would create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, promote financial inclusion, and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy, particularly for young people.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing gender equality, increasing women’s participation in leadership, investing in education and skills development, and empowering youth to play a greater role in shaping the future of the region.
Earlier, ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, said the summit provided an opportunity for leaders to evaluate the progress of the regional bloc and chart a new course under the ECOWAS Vision 2050 framework.
Bio stressed that regional integration had become a strategic necessity in light of growing security threats, climate-related challenges, and global economic disruptions affecting food, fuel, and fertilizer supplies across West Africa.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and the Sahel region in combating terrorism and other transnational crimes, while urging the international community to back African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional body remains committed to strengthening democratic governance, institutional accountability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and humanitarian response mechanisms among member states.
The summit also witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project, a major regional energy initiative expected to enhance energy cooperation and economic integration across West Africa.
