Nigeria has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to escalate the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa to the African Union (AU), urging a united continental response to the recurring violence against African migrants.
Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, strongly condemned the recent attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
He endorsed a proposal earlier advanced by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, urging ECOWAS to place the matter before the next AU summit to send a firm message that xenophobia has no place on the African continent.
“Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the recent Afrophobic attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said. “ECOWAS should present this matter before the African Union so that it is made clear that such behaviour is unacceptable.”
The President also reminded South Africa of the solidarity shown by many African nations, particularly Nigeria, during the country’s struggle against apartheid, stressing that the freedoms South Africa enjoys today were achieved with the support of fellow African states.
Tinubu disclosed that the Nigerian government had evacuated 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven separate batches following the attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to pursue diplomatic engagement on the matter.
The call comes amid growing pressure for stronger action against South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu recently hinted that Nigeria could consider retaliatory measures, while the National Assembly is reviewing the situation with a view to making appropriate recommendations. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has also urged the Federal Government to institute legal proceedings against South Africa before the African Court.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic roadmap for strengthening regional cooperation, economic integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development.
He noted that the Compact complements ECOWAS Vision 2050 while extending the bloc’s long-term development agenda to 2075.
“As the largest economy and one of the founding members of ECOWAS, Nigeria remains committed to promoting regional unity, peace, economic integration, and democratic governance,” he said.
The President pledged Nigeria’s support for the effective implementation of the Compact’s strategic pillars, including the removal of trade barriers, improvement of cross-border infrastructure, and the free movement of people, goods, and services across West Africa.
On governance and security, Tinubu warned that insecurity and political instability continue to threaten the region’s progress. While reaffirming Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, he argued that poor governance and constitutional manipulation often fuel political unrest.
He cautioned leaders against altering constitutional term limits for political advantage, emphasizing that good governance remains the most effective safeguard against unconstitutional changes of government and widespread public protests.
Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to establishing the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and regional responses to terrorism.
He further pledged Nigeria’s support for gender equality, youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and increased participation of women and young people in leadership and decision-making.
Addressing recent tensions involving the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the President stressed the importance of sustained dialogue to preserve regional unity and ensure the continued relevance of ECOWAS.
Host President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone described the summit as an opportunity for West African leaders to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a renewed path toward peace, integration, and prosperity under ECOWAS Vision 2050.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the Commission’s achievements in promoting democratic governance, strengthening regional security, and advancing key infrastructure projects. He cited the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway as transformative initiatives expected to boost energy security, industrialization, regional trade, and economic growth across West Africa.