Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says Nigeria will
host a West Africa economic summit (WAES) targeted at fostering inclusive
regional integration.
Tuggar spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when he met with
ambassadors of West African nations.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment towards working closely
with the diplomatic community, adding that the summit, a President Bola
Tinubu’s initiative, will take place from June 20 to 21 in Abuja.
“We convene to discuss an initiative that pertains to our
shared future, one that is founded on mutual interest, collective prosperity
and regional unity,” the minister told the ambassadors.
“Let me begin by extending our appreciation for the active
role your embassies continue to play in fostering cooperation, trade and
diplomatic solidarity among our nations.
“In the same way, we have invited your excellencies today to
become key partners and champions of a unique moment in our region’s economic
diplomacy.
“It is rooted in his firm conviction expressed during his
inaugural address as ECOWAS chairman that we will work collectively to pursue
an inclusive economic integration of West Africa.
“This will serve as a warning to exploiters that our people
have suffered enough.”
Tuggar said the summit would bring heads of state,
ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, youth innovators and
entrepreneurs together to brainstorm pathways to economic growth.
“Unlike past efforts rooted solely in institutional
frameworks, WAES is grounded in the practical realities of our regional market
and the immense potential of our people,” Tuggar said.
“The decision to convene WAES outside the traditional ECOWAS
framework was intentional.
“It highlights the economic need to foster integration among
all West African states, regardless of current regional affiliations.
“The message is straightforward: when we prosper together,
we prosper better.
“WAES offers a rare opportunity for West African countries
to take ownership of their economic destiny by confronting the persistent
barriers to intra-regional trade, fragmented infrastructure and inconsistent
regulatory environments.
“It provides a forum to articulate our common development
priorities, promote scalable investments, and unlock youth-driven innovation.
“The wealth of the West African coast, our gold, our labour,
our very people fuelled empires and financed revolutions; yet we have been
denied a fair stake in the prosperity we helped create.”
He urged the ambassadors to encourage participation from
their respective heads of state and ministers of trade, finance, and foreign
affairs.
He also encouraged the diplomats to canvass the involvement
of their national business communities, chambers of commerce and startup
ecosystems.
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