By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening inclusive economic integration across West Africa, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration among regional nations.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholder engagement with West African Ambassadors, Tuggar underscored Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the diplomatic community to advance shared economic goals. The meeting was held in preparation for the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), scheduled for June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja an initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are gathered to deliberate on a vision rooted in mutual interest, collective prosperity, and regional unity,” Tuggar said. “We deeply appreciate the continuous role your embassies play in promoting cooperation, trade, and diplomatic solidarity.”
Tuggar urged ambassadors to serve as active partners and advocates for WAES, which he described as a timely and strategic platform to reshape the region’s economic landscape. The summit, he explained, will convene Heads of State, Ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators to tackle longstanding barriers to intra-regional trade and economic cooperation.
“WAES departs from traditional institutional frameworks. It is grounded in the practical realities of our regional market and the vast potential of our people,” he stated. “This summit is not just about policies it’s about action.”
The minister stressed that WAES aims to address persistent issues such as fragmented infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, and limited regional investment flows. By creating a platform for shared priorities and scalable solutions, he said, West Africa can unlock youth-led innovation and sustainable development.
He also referenced President Tinubu’s inaugural address as ECOWAS Chairman, noting that the summit aligns with the President’s vision for a more inclusive and resilient West African economy. “It is time to send a clear message: our people have endured enough. We must now build systems that work for us.”
Tuggar highlighted the region’s historical contributions to global wealth particularly through Atlantic trade and the need to reclaim its rightful place in global economic transformation.
“This time, we will define the terms of engagement. West Africa will no longer serve as a resource base for others, but as a fully engaged and empowered player in global trade,” he asserted.
He called on ambassadors to mobilize participation from their respective governments and business sectors including Heads of State, Ministers of Trade, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, as well as national chambers of commerce and startup ecosystems.
“This is a moment of shared responsibility,” Tuggar said. “As the world undergoes economic and geopolitical shifts, West Africa must stand united, strategically coordinated, and globally competitive.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of full representation at the summit. “Let every West African flag be present, every voice heard, and every nation’s private sector showcased. Together, we can chart a new course for regional prosperity.”
