Abuja Urges ECOWAS to Boost Engagement with Sahel Alliance Nations

Nigeria's Federal Government has appealed to the newly constituted leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to significantly increase its interaction with the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Describing these nations as "brothers and sisters" who share common obstacles and aspirations, the plea was made by Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Enikanolaiye delivered this message on Tuesday in Abuja during the formal handover ceremony for both outgoing and incoming appointees within various ECOWAS institutions. This development was communicated via a statement released by Raphael Oni, the Special Assistant for Digital Media and Public Diplomacy in the Minister's office.

Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria's unwavering dedication to fostering the advancement, expansion, and stability of the West African regional body. The Minister underscored that peace and security are fundamental pillars for economic integration, emphasizing the critical necessity for ECOWAS to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with the AES member countries, which include Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

He implored the incoming leadership to uphold the foundational vision of ECOWAS's pioneers, which is centered on achieving a unified, tranquil, prosperous, and integrated West Africa. Furthermore, Ambassador Enikanolaiye urged the new management to prioritize the diligent execution of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a strategic roadmap titled "The ECOWAS of Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All."

Among the key areas requiring heightened focus, the minister highlighted free movement of persons, increased intra-regional trade and investment, robust infrastructure development, ensuring food and energy security, empowering youth and women, and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, he advocated for rigorous financial probity, transparent accountability, cost-effective operations, and judicious management of the regional organization's financial resources. He stressed that ECOWAS must demonstrate tangible returns on the investments contributed by Nigeria and other member states through the Community Levy.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye affirmed, stating, “Nigeria remains committed to working constructively with the new leadership and all Member States towards a stronger, more integrated and people-centred ECOWAS.” He extended commendation to the outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray of The Gambia, along with the commissioners and heads of various institutions, for their dedicated service to the regional body. The minister also offered congratulations to the incoming leadership, urging them to govern with "vision, integrity, efficiency and service to community citizens."

General Birame Diop, the newly appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission, officially assumed his duties. His appointment was ratified by the Authority of Heads of State and Government during their 69th Ordinary Summit held in Sierra Leone. General Diop, who previously served as Senegal's Minister of Defence and also as the Chief of the General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, takes over from Dr. Touray, whose four-year term has concluded.

General Diop has pledged to provide strategic leadership focused on enhancing regional integration, ensuring peace and security, fostering economic cooperation, and improving institutional effectiveness. Notably, a Nigerian, Mr. Anthony Ogunjimi, has been appointed as the new Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, with other new commissioners also taking up their respective roles.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Cheikh Niang, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers; members of the Permanent Representatives Committee; Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council; staff from various ECOWAS institutions; and members of the press.