Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as other African countries to unanimously condemn the ongoing Afrophobic and xenophobia attacks on black immigrants in South Africa.

According to President Tinubu, this will send a clear message to the Southern African country that such intolerance is absolutely not acceptable under any form.

Speaking, Sunday, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, informed the African leaders that the Nigerian Government had ‘already evacuated over 1490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter.’

Highpoints of the ECOWAS meeting were the emergence of President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye emerged as the new chairman of the sub-regional body, replacing Sierra Leone’s Julius Bio as the regional group leader.

Meanwhile, the position of the Commission President will now be held by Biram Diop, who replaces Dr. Omar Toure.

In his presentation, Tinubu also declared Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that the document reinforces the region’s ‘shared commitment to rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that regional integration remains resilient and relevant in the face of evolving geopolitical realities.

‘”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,” the Nigerian leader said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, noting that while the document represents a significant milestone in the regional integration journey, it is also a reflection of ECOWAS Member States’ collective resolve to renew the ideals of the regional body.

The Compact, Tinubu noted, will “strengthen regional solidarity, and build a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”

The Nigerian leader also urged the West African leaders to intensify collective action against insecurity and unconstitutional governance as reflected in the Compact.

“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.”

Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to initiatives that eliminates “trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and create an enabling environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive across West Africa.”

The Nigerian President underscored what he described as the central role of technology in shaping the future of nations, expressing Nigeria’s satisfaction with the Compact’s emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

He said the establishment of a Digital Single Market, regional frameworks on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems will unlock new “opportunities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion, and job creation, particularly for young people.

At the same time, he said the digital single market will accelerate inclusive growth and positioning West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

Earlier, President Bio explained that the meeting was organised to reflect on the future of ECOWAS and take stock on its journey so far.

Bio said ECOWAS Vision 2050 offers a compelling destination towards a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous West Africa, founded on democratic governance and driven by the energy and creativity of its people.

“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.

“It ensures a responsibility that demands foresight, preparation, and collective action. It is shaped by the crisis we build, the capabilities that we build, and the reason we confront before they become crises,” he noted.

Also speaking, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, declared UN’s support for all the initiatives of ECOWAS and countries of the West African mission and the Sahel towards fighting terrorism in the region.

She stressed that the international global body has an obligation to support the region combat terrorism and all forms of crime against humanity.

“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,” she said.

Highpoint of the meeting was the signing of the Intergovernmental Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project.