Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen regional unity against terrorism and transnational crimes while urging renewed diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to preserve peace, stability, and economic integration across West Africa.
The appeal comes amid growing security threats across the region, where terrorist groups, armed bandits, and criminal networks continue to exploit porous borders, displace communities, and undermine economic development.
Speaking during a high-level ECOWAS meeting, Nigerian officials stressed that no single country can effectively confront the evolving security challenges alone, emphasizing that intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations, border security, and sustained political dialogue remain essential to defeating terrorism.
According to the Nigerian delegation, regional cooperation should extend beyond military action to include economic development, youth empowerment, humanitarian support, and stronger governance capable of addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
Terrorism Remains a Regional Threat
Nigeria noted that terrorism continues to threaten millions of people across West Africa, with extremist groups operating across national boundaries and exploiting weak governance structures in remote communities.
The country warned that attacks on civilians, security personnel, and public infrastructure have continued to destabilize several nations, affecting trade, agriculture, education, healthcare, and investment.
Officials argued that fragmented responses only provide opportunities for terrorist organizations to regroup and expand their operations.
They therefore urged ECOWAS member states to reinforce existing security frameworks while improving coordination among intelligence agencies, border authorities, and armed forces.
Call for Renewed Dialogue With Sahel States
A major highlight of Nigeria’s intervention was its appeal for constructive engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The three countries recently withdrew from ECOWAS following political disagreements after military takeovers, creating new diplomatic and security challenges within the region.
Nigeria maintained that despite political differences, continued dialogue remains necessary to preserve regional stability and prevent further fragmentation.
Officials stressed that maintaining communication channels with the Sahel countries would benefit both ECOWAS and the wider West African region by supporting coordinated responses to terrorism, organized crime, irregular migration, and humanitarian crises.
They emphasized that diplomacy should complement security operations rather than replace them.
Security Cooperation Must Be Strengthened
Nigeria proposed stronger regional security cooperation through enhanced intelligence exchange, joint patrols, coordinated military operations, and improved surveillance along shared borders.
The country also encouraged greater investment in modern security technologies capable of detecting and disrupting terrorist financing, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminal activities.
Authorities noted that terrorist groups increasingly rely on sophisticated communication networks and financial channels, making regional information-sharing more important than ever.
According to Nigerian officials, stronger partnerships among security agencies would significantly improve early warning systems and crisis response mechanisms.
Economic Integration Linked to Regional Security
Nigeria argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved without sustainable economic development.
Officials explained that insecurity continues to discourage investment, interrupt cross-border commerce, reduce agricultural productivity, and increase unemployment across the region.
The government therefore called on ECOWAS to accelerate initiatives that promote regional trade, infrastructure development, job creation, and youth entrepreneurship.
It maintained that expanding economic opportunities would reduce the vulnerability of young people to recruitment by extremist organizations.
Nigeria also reiterated support for policies that facilitate free movement of legitimate goods and people while strengthening measures against criminal activities.
Humanitarian Concerns
The Nigerian delegation expressed concern over the growing humanitarian consequences of terrorism, including rising numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees throughout West Africa.
Communities affected by conflict continue to face shortages of food, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
Nigeria urged ECOWAS and international development partners to increase humanitarian assistance while supporting long-term recovery programmes for affected communities.
Officials said rebuilding schools, healthcare facilities, transportation networks, and local economies would help restore stability in conflict-affected areas.
Need for Political Stability
Nigeria further emphasized that political stability remains critical to regional security.
The country encouraged peaceful democratic governance, constitutional order, and inclusive political dialogue as foundations for sustainable peace.
Officials argued that political instability often creates conditions that extremist groups exploit to expand their influence.
They called on all stakeholders to prioritize peaceful conflict resolution, respect for democratic institutions, and regional solidarity.
ECOWAS’ Evolving Security Agenda
Over the years, ECOWAS has played a significant role in promoting peacekeeping, mediation, conflict prevention, and democratic governance across West Africa.
However, the emergence of increasingly sophisticated terrorist networks has placed enormous pressure on regional institutions.
Nigeria believes the organization must continue adapting its security architecture to respond effectively to evolving threats while strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners.
The country also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ECOWAS initiatives aimed at enhancing regional peace and stability.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment
As one of ECOWAS’ founding members and one of the region’s largest contributors to peace and security initiatives, Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with member states to combat terrorism and strengthen regional integration.
Officials said sustainable peace requires collective responsibility, mutual trust, and continuous dialogue among neighbouring countries.
They added that regional unity remains the strongest weapon against terrorism and violent extremism threatening West Africa.
With security challenges becoming increasingly interconnected across national borders, Nigeria believes deeper cooperation between ECOWAS and the Sahel States will be essential in building a safer, more stable, and more prosperous West African region.
Sources: ECOWAS, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
