President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to present a united front against the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, insisting that violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals must not be tolerated anywhere on the continent.
Speaking on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa must send a clear message that such attacks are unacceptable.
The President also disclosed that Nigeria had evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remained ready to take further steps to protect its nationals if necessary.
Tinubu Condemns Attacks, Calls for AU Action
Tinubu condemned the attacks in strong terms and urged ECOWAS leaders to ensure the issue is placed before the next meeting of the African Union Heads of State and Government.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria backs ECOWAS Integration Agenda
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a blueprint for strengthening cooperation among member states.
He said the compact reflects the region’s determination to rebuild public trust and make regional integration more effective in responding to emerging global challenges.
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According to him, the initiative will strengthen regional solidarity and help build “a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”
The President also urged member states to work together to implement the compact’s six strategic pillars.
“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance.
“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars.”
Call for Stronger Security Cooperation
On regional security, Tinubu said sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful and stable environment.
“On peace, security, and democratic governance, Nigeria reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability. Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other regional frameworks.”
He reiterated 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 security operations and preventive diplomacy across West Africa.
The President also called for greater efforts to eliminate trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure and promote the free movement of people, goods and services across the region.
Focus on Technology, Youth and Inclusion
Tinubu described technology as central to West Africa’s future and welcomed the compact’s emphasis on digital transformation.
He said plans for a Digital Single Market, regional cooperation on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure would create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion and employment, particularly for young people.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership, investing in education and skills development, and supporting youth entrepreneurship across the region.
ECOWAS Reviews Future Direction
Earlier, Sierra Leonean President and outgoing ECOWAS Chairman Julius Maada Bio said the summit was convened to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a new direction under ECOWAS Vision 2050.
According to him, the region must adapt to changing global realities while strengthening cooperation among member states.
“We should work on partnerships that expand our opportunities, while remaining firmly anchored in our own interests and barriers.
“Dependency narrows the very freedom that challenging partnership is meant to strengthen, and in this changing international environment, regional integration is a strategic necessity.”
He added that climate change and global conflicts continue to place pressure on economies across West Africa, making stronger regional collaboration more important.
UN Reaffirms Support
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the organisation’s support for ECOWAS and countries in West Africa and the Sahel in tackling terrorism and other security threats.
“The United Nations Security Council must clearly hear the voice of Africa and stand behind the solutions that Africa offers. We have seen what it looks like in this region. There is new momentum and dialogue across political divides and across geography.”
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray also pledged to deepen governance reforms and improve policy coordination among member states.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.