The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the progress, growth and stability of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He expressed this stance in his speech during the handover ceremony for the outgoing Statutory Appointees of ECOWAS Institutions to the incoming management team on Monday in Abuja.
The minister in statement on Tuesdayfrom the Minitry, underscored Nigeria’s continued support for initiatives that advance the community’s shared regional integration agenda and bring it closer to the ideal of an ECOWAS of the people, by the people and for the people.
“I must at this juncture, reiterate Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the progress, growth and stability of ECOWAS.
“In this regard, Nigeria looks forward to robust and stronger ECOWAS institutions committed to processes and systems that serve the overall interest of our community,” he said.
The minister, however, said while commitment must be focused on regional economic integration, commensurate attention needed to be intensified on peace and security, as the bedrock of regional integration.
“Economic integration cannot be imposed, and neither can it flourish in an atmosphere of political instability, terrorism, threat to constitutional order, violent extremism, irregular migration, banditry and challenges of climate change,” he said.
Enikanolaiye urged members to also be conscious of the financial realities confronting the community.
According to him, national Institutions across the community are daily confronted with financial challenges.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need to promote cost effectiveness, prudent financial management and value for money in the operations of the commission and other community institutions/agencies.
“Every expenditure should be carefully assessed against its contribution to our regional objectives and development,” he said.
He urged the community institutions to reduce leakages, unnecessary operational costs, eliminate avoidable duplication and waste.
“This should be done with a view to ensuring that greater resources are directed towards programmes and projects that produce tangible benefits for our people,” he said.
The minister said that ECOWAS must justify the huge investments and sacrifices that are being made by the government and people of Nigeria, as well as by other members in our sub-region to sustain the organisation.
While congratulating the new leadership, the minister said Nigeria remained committed to working constructively with them and all member states towards a stronger, more integrated and people-centred ECOWAS.
He said the formal handover of the statutory appointees of ECOWAS institutions to the incoming team was very significant beyond a mere transition in leadership.
According to him, the occasion is an affirmation of the principle of continuity in our collective pursuit of regional integration and the advancement of the ideals upon which ECOWAS was founded over fifty years ago.
“As we welcome the incoming leadership, it is important that we remain firmly anchored to the vision of the founding fathers of our regional economic community.
“Their vision was that of a united, peaceful, prosperous and integrated West Africa, where the barriers separating our peoples are progressively removed,”he said.
According to him, that vision includes having a West Africa where the benefits of integration translate into tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
“In line with this vision, what we seek is an ECOWAS of citizens and not of government, where artificial borders and narrow interests have continued to forestall our supranational objectives,” he said.
According to the minister, the responsibility before the new management is both significant and historic, adding that the ECOWAS integration agenda must remain at the centre of collective efforts.
He underscored the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, with its aspiration of “The ECOWAS of Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All”.
He also urged the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Compact of the Future of Regional Integration.
According to him, the compact provides a clear strategic framework for building a community that is responsive to the aspirations of its citizens and capable of delivering sustainable development, peace, security and prosperity.
“In this regard, the incoming management should be dedicated to pursuing programmes and projects that have direct and measurable impacts on the lives of community citizens,” he said.
The minister urged that priorities should be given to critical areas, including strengthening free movement, promoting intra-regional trade and investment.
Other areas he noted include improving regional infrastructure, innovation, creativity and connectivity, enhancing food and energy security, supporting youth and women, and deepening cooperation in areas that create employment and economic opportunities.
“To the incoming management, I extend the warm congratulations of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the best wishes of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The minister also commended the outgoing statutory appointees for their service to the community and immense contributions to advancing the objectives of ECOWAS.(NAN)
