FG Tasks Nigerian Envoys to Rebuild ECOWAS Unity, Tackle Regional Security Threats

The Federal Government has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to West African countries to spearhead efforts aimed at restoring unity within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), strengthening regional security cooperation, and accelerating economic integration across the sub-region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the charge on Saturday during a strategic retreat for ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to West African countries held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

She described the diplomats’ postings as strategic national assignments rather than routine foreign service deployments, stressing that Nigeria’s commitment to West Africa remains “absolute and unwavering.”

According to the minister, the sub-region remains the primary focus of Nigeria’s foreign policy and requires proactive diplomatic engagement in the face of growing political, security and economic challenges.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that West Africa is grappling with terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crimes, economic disruptions and unconstitutional changes of government, all of which pose serious threats to regional stability.

“Democracy remains the best form of government for the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” she said, urging the envoys to work closely with host governments to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, uphold human rights and reinforce the rule of law.

The minister also called for a more aggressive economic diplomacy strategy, directing the diplomats to facilitate trade, attract investments and promote regional economic cooperation.

She urged them to leverage opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS free movement protocols to deepen economic integration and unlock growth opportunities across the region.

On security, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among West African countries in combating terrorism, trafficking, smuggling and other transnational crimes.

“No country can effectively confront these threats in isolation,” she said.

The minister further highlighted the importance of citizen diplomacy, urging Nigerian missions across the region to provide efficient consular services and protect the welfare of Nigerians living abroad.

She also encouraged the diplomats to engage the Nigerian diaspora as key partners in national development.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the retreat as a critical platform for preparing the envoys to navigate the rapidly evolving political, economic and security landscape of West Africa.

He explained that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on the 4D doctrine of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, with West Africa remaining the country’s foremost sphere of influence.

Enikanolaiye identified terrorism, illicit arms proliferation, human and drug trafficking, banditry, unconstitutional changes of government and the growing influence of external powers as some of the major challenges confronting the region.

Despite these challenges, he maintained that Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa remains strong, citing the country’s contributions to peacekeeping, democratic governance, regional security and economic development.

The minister urged the ambassadors to move beyond traditional diplomacy and embrace active engagement by promoting democratic values, facilitating trade and investment, safeguarding Nigerians abroad and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a stabilising force within the region.

The one-day retreat brought together ambassadors and high commissioners-designate posted to ECOWAS member states to deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and strategic interests in West Africa.