Nigeria to host West Africa economic summit June 20-21

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says Nigeria will host a West Africa economic summit (WAES) targeted at fostering inclusive regional integration.

Tuggar spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when he met with ambassadors of West African nations.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment towards working closely with the diplomatic community, adding that the summit, a President Bola Tinubu’s initiative, will take place from June 20 to 21 in Abuja.

“We convene to discuss an initiative that pertains to our shared future, one that is founded on mutual interest, collective prosperity and regional unity,” the minister told the ambassadors.

“Let me begin by extending our appreciation for the active role your embassies continue to play in fostering cooperation, trade and diplomatic solidarity among our nations.

“In the same way, we have invited your excellencies today to become key partners and champions of a unique moment in our region’s economic diplomacy.

“It is rooted in his firm conviction expressed during his inaugural address as ECOWAS chairman that we will work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration of West Africa.

“This will serve as a warning to exploiters that our people have suffered enough.”

Tuggar said the summit would bring heads of state, ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, youth innovators and entrepreneurs together to brainstorm pathways to economic growth.

“Unlike past efforts rooted solely in institutional frameworks, WAES is grounded in the practical realities of our regional market and the immense potential of our people,” Tuggar said.

“The decision to convene WAES outside the traditional ECOWAS framework was intentional.

“It highlights the economic need to foster integration among all West African states, regardless of current regional affiliations.

“The message is straightforward: when we prosper together, we prosper better.

“WAES offers a rare opportunity for West African countries to take ownership of their economic destiny by confronting the persistent barriers to intra-regional trade, fragmented infrastructure and inconsistent regulatory environments.

“It provides a forum to articulate our common development priorities, promote scalable investments, and unlock youth-driven innovation.

“The wealth of the West African coast, our gold, our labour, our very people fuelled empires and financed revolutions; yet we have been denied a fair stake in the prosperity we helped create.”

He urged the ambassadors to encourage participation from their respective heads of state and ministers of trade, finance, and foreign affairs.

He also encouraged the diplomats to canvass the involvement of their national business communities, chambers of commerce and startup ecosystems.