President Bola Tinubu has lauded the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to work towards reshaping economic diplomacy in West Africa and build a sub-region that works for all.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said this during a dinner organised for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The president said a foundation had been laid for a better sub-region through a trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor (the planned 1,028-kilometre highway that would connect five West African countries), among others.

He made reference to the trend in other regions of the world, adding that the West African sub-region’s economic story, which had been one of a missed opportunity, would end soon.

According to him, Asia operates 60 per cent of trade within its borders, Europe 70 per cent and Africa remains at a mere 15 per cent while West Africa is sadly even less.

”Through mechanisms such as the trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool, and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor, we have laid the foundation, we must build,” he said.

He noted that the inaugural West African Economic Summit was a declaration of intent and an initiative of his government to reshape economic diplomacy across West Africa.

This, according to him, is with a view to bring together leaders across the region and visionary voices to deliberate on its future.

”The summit, anchored by the deal room and a formal declaration, among others, represent a shift from aspiration to action and from talk to task.

“ We are convinced today, more than ever, that the destiny of our region does not lie in the hands of government alone but in our ability to bring the private sector to the centre of our planning.”

Mr Tinubu emphasised the role of political leadership across Africa, noting that they were not here to complain but to facilitate.

“That is the spirit in which we are gathered here tonight, to remind ourselves that in this region, commerce shall not be shortened by Customs delays or innovation strangled by policy incoherence.

”We are truly a West Africa that works for all,” he added.

The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Touray, applauded Mr Tinubu’s leadership of the sub-regional body, acknowledging the commitment of the government of Nigeria to the peace and progress of the region.

He also thanked Nigeria for its support to ECOWAS and its various organs and institutions.

Mr Tinubu noted that it underscored the country’s commitment to building a sub-region that worked for all irrespective of socio-political background and ethnic affiliations.

The minister of state for foreign affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, said the meeting of leaders and stakeholders in the business and economic sector represented a renewed commitment to a more prosperous West African sub-region.

She outlined ongoing efforts by leaders collaborating with other stakeholders and partners to harness the potentials and

the energy of youths in the region.

This, according to her, is with a view to prepare them for the task of advancing the interest of the people and its development aspirations.

(NAN)