Nigeria Mobilises New Envoys to Rescue ECOWAS Unity, Confront Rising Regional Crises

The Federal Government has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to West African countries to take the lead in rebuilding regional unity, defending democratic governance and strengthening collective efforts against terrorism and other security threats confronting the sub-region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the charge on Saturday at a strategic retreat for ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to West African countries, describing their appointments as critical to Nigeria’s efforts to reposition itself as a driving force for peace, stability and economic growth within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

She said the assignments come at a defining moment for West Africa, which is grappling with political instability, military takeovers, violent extremism, transnational crimes and economic disruptions that threaten decades of regional integration.

“West Africa remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Our commitment to the region is absolute and unwavering,” the minister told the diplomats.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the envoys to champion democratic values and support efforts to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law and promote good governance across the region.

She noted that democracy remains the most reliable path to sustainable peace, development and prosperity, warning that recent political upheavals in parts of West Africa pose serious challenges to regional cohesion.

Beyond political engagement, the minister tasked the ambassadors with driving economic diplomacy by attracting investments, expanding trade opportunities and facilitating stronger economic cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

She urged them to leverage the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and existing ECOWAS protocols to boost commerce, industrial growth and regional competitiveness.

The minister also stressed the urgency of enhanced security collaboration, noting that terrorism, human trafficking, arms smuggling and other cross-border crimes can only be effectively tackled through coordinated regional action.

“No nation can confront these threats alone. Stronger partnerships and intelligence-sharing are essential to securing our region,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further directed Nigerian missions to prioritise citizen diplomacy by protecting the interests of Nigerians living abroad and providing efficient consular services.

She described the Nigerian diaspora as a strategic asset whose contributions should be harnessed for national development.

Earlier, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the retreat was designed to equip the diplomats with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the rapidly changing political and security environment in West Africa.

He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda is anchored on the 4D pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, with West Africa occupying a central place in Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities.

Enikanolaiye identified terrorism, illicit arms trafficking, drug smuggling, banditry, unconstitutional changes of government and the increasing influence of external powers as some of the key issues demanding urgent diplomatic attention.

He nevertheless maintained that Nigeria remains a dominant force in regional affairs, citing its longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, democratic consolidation and economic integration.

The minister urged the envoys to embrace proactive diplomacy, strengthen Nigeria’s influence across the region and help restore confidence in ECOWAS as a platform for regional cooperation and collective progress.

The retreat, held in Uyo, brought together ambassadors and high commissioners-designate posted to ECOWAS member states as part of efforts to align their missions with Nigeria’s strategic foreign policy objectives in West Africa.