President Bola Tinubu has again condemned the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying the country should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of other African countries, including Nigeria.
The President called on other African countries to lend their voices to unanimously condemn the attacks, stating that a united voice would send a clear message to Southern African country that such intolerance is absolutely not acceptable under any form.
Speaking on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President, who was represented by his deputy, 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”.
He 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,” he was quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday.
“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 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, he 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.”
Tinubu, in the statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, 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,” the President stated.
Tinubu, addressing political stability, urged ECOWAS to continue promoting constitutional government, the rule of law and compliance with the regional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“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.
“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he declared.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the setting up of the Counter Terrorism Force, and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, stating that it will “enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and preventive diplomacy to safeguard peace and stability across our region”.
He also restated the nation’s commitment to initiatives that eliminate “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”.
President Tinubu 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 would accelerate inclusive growth and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to “advancing gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping the future of West Africa”.
