President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to adopt a united stance against the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing such acts as unacceptable and contrary to the ideals of African unity.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the President said a collective condemnation by African nations would send a strong message that intolerance has no place on the continent.
President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria had evacuated more than 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven batches and expressed the country’s readiness to continue diplomatic engagement on the issue.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a blueprint for strengthening trust, promoting regional solidarity and building a more peaceful, prosperous and people-centred West Africa.
He urged ECOWAS member states to intensify cooperation in tackling insecurity, terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, stability and democratic governance.
On economic integration, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s support for removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services to boost regional commerce and investment.
The President further highlighted the importance of science, technology and digital transformation, endorsing the establishment of a regional Digital Single Market, enhanced cybersecurity cooperation and artificial intelligence frameworks to drive innovation, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly for young people.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership, investing in education and skills development, and empowering the region’s youth.
The summit also featured discussions on regional security, governance, economic integration and climate resilience, while member states signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project, aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation.
