President says over 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa as ECOWAS leaders push for stronger regional integration.
President Bola Tinubu has called on African nations to speak with one voice in condemning the recent Afro-phobic attacks, popularly known as xenophobia, in South Africa, insisting that such acts of intolerance have no place on the continent.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, said a united African position would send a strong message that attacks on fellow Africans are unacceptable.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” the President said.
“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.”
He added that South Africa should be reminded that its freedom was achieved through the sacrifices and support of several African countries, including Nigeria.
Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government has evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remains prepared to take further action to protect its citizens.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a framework that will strengthen regional solidarity and promote a more prosperous, peaceful and people-centred West Africa.
According to him, the Compact reinforces the region’s commitment to rebuilding trust in public institutions and addressing evolving geopolitical challenges through collective action.
Tinubu urged ECOWAS member states to intensify efforts against insecurity, terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, while also promoting democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance intelligence sharing and joint security operations across the sub-region.
The President further highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, digital transformation, youth empowerment and gender equality, noting that initiatives such as the proposed Digital Single Market would unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurship, education and job creation.
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, said West Africa must embrace a new era of strategic cooperation and self-determination to address emerging challenges.
The summit also featured discussions on regional security, economic development and the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.