President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to reshaping economic diplomacy in West Africa and building a region that works for all.
He stated that the foundation is already being laid through initiatives such as the Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor—a planned 1,028-kilometre highway intended to connect five West African countries, among others.
The President made this known during a dinner organised for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit, held at the New State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, referred to economic trends in other global regions, noting that West Africa’s long-standing narrative of missed opportunities must come to an end.
“While Asia trades 60% within its borders and Europe 70%, Africa remains at a mere 15%. West Africa, regrettably, is even lower. Through mechanisms such as the Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, we have laid the foundation. Now, we must build,” he said.
He described the inaugural West African Economic Summit as a declaration of intent by his administration to reimagine economic diplomacy in the region, bringing together leaders and visionary voices to chart a path forward.
He said, “The summit—anchored by the deal room and a formal declaration, among other components—marks a transition from aspiration to action and from talk to task. More than ever before, we are convinced that the destiny of our region does not rest with governments alone but depends on our ability to position the private sector at the centre of regional planning.”
President Tinubu further highlighted the crucial role of political leadership across Africa, stressing that leaders are not gathered to complain but to facilitate solutions.
“That is the spirit in which we are gathered here tonight—to remind ourselves that in this region, commerce must not be hindered by Customs delays, nor innovation stifled by incoherent policies. We are truly building a West Africa that works for all,” he added.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, applauded President Tinubu’s leadership of the regional bloc, acknowledging Nigeria’s dedication to fostering peace and progress in West Africa.
He also expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its continued support of ECOWAS and its various institutions, noting that such commitment reflects the country’s resolve to build a region that works for all, regardless of socio-political background or ethnic affiliation.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, described the meeting of regional leaders and economic stakeholders as a renewed pledge to a more prosperous West African sub-region, focused on dismantling the structural impediments to progress.
She outlined ongoing collaborative efforts between leaders and key partners to harness the potential and energy of the youth, preparing them to drive forward regional development and effectively serve the interests of the people.
