Tinubu Calls for Urgent Economic Integration and Investment in West Africa at Abuja Summit

 

The Chairperson of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made a powerful appeal for urgent economic unification, policy alignment, and aggressive regional investment across West Africa. He made this call on Saturday during Day 2 of the West African Economic Summit held in Abuja.

Speaking to regional leaders and stakeholders, Tinubu emphasized that the time for rhetoric and symbolic meetings had passed. “Today is not about celebrating how far we’ve come, but about forging a bold new path,” he said. “One that moves beyond fragmentation and towards deeper integration, shared prosperity, and collective action.”

He stressed the need for West Africa to take control of its economic destiny, rather than relying on external partners. “The global economy will not wait for us to get our act together. We must stop competing in isolation and instead build strong regional value chains, invest in infrastructure, and align our economic policies.”

Inter-Regional Trade and Youth Empowerment

Tinubu lamented the low level of intra-regional trade, which remains below 10%, describing the situation as a failure of coordination rather than political will. He highlighted West Africa’s youthful population as its greatest asset, warning that without investment in education, innovation, and digital infrastructure, this demographic advantage could become a liability.

“Nigeria is investing in digital connectivity, youth empowerment, and skill development,” he noted, “but no single country can carry the burden alone. Our success depends on designing regional energy networks, data systems, and supply chains—together.”

Local Processing and Industrial Growth

The president also called for a shift from raw material exports to value-added local processing and manufacturing. “It is not enough to be rich in resources—we must be smart about value chains. The era of ‘from pit to port’ must end.”

He concluded with a strong rallying call: “Let us emerge from this summit with real action—better trade, practical deals, improved infrastructure, and the vision to transform West Africa into a competitive, resilient, and investable region.”

Foreign Minister Tuggar Urges Private Sector Collaboration

Also speaking at the summit, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the importance of historical context, economic realism, and public-private cooperation. “We are here to reset West Africa’s economic vision. That means governments must step back and let the private sector thrive. Our role is to create an enabling environment—not dominate it.”

He pointed out that in 2024, West Africa exported goods worth over $166 billion, yet only 8.6% of trade occurred within the region. “That’s not just a capacity issue—it’s about mindset and orientation,” he said, referencing how informal markets often outperform slow, bureaucratic systems.

Tuggar also challenged global narratives about resource control. “The West claims China monopolizes rare minerals, but we have those same resources right here in Nigeria and across the region. The difference is in how we manage and leverage them.”

He concluded with a challenge to the region: “Let’s stop outsourcing our future. Let West Africa be the place where deals are made—not in wintry European summits, but here, in our own cities, on our own terms.”