President Bola Tinubu emphasized the need for West African countries to unite in addressing banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities plaguing the region.
Tinubu made the call during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, calling for a cohesive strategy to tackle these issues effectively.
“We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment,” Tinubu said, as quoted by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.
President Tinubu highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and Senegal, describing the two countries as brotherly nations with a shared commitment to democracy.
“We are brothers. We have a shared interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard. I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu stressed the importance of making the people the focal point of democratic governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when this is not the case. He called for respect for critical institutions and principles, such as the judiciary and the rule of law, to sustain democracy.
As the Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu invited President Faye to collaborate in persuading other regional leaders to recommit to democratic governance. He emphasized the need for economic growth, development, and adherence to democratic values.
In his remarks, President Faye acknowledged the shared values and challenges between Nigeria and Senegal, emphasizing their good relations since the 1960s. He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal Joint Commission to enhance bilateral relations in diplomacy, trade, and other areas.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community, and I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration,” Faye said.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership to strengthen relations among ECOWAS member states and address common challenges such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Faye emphasized the importance of unity and collective resolve in confronting regional challenges to achieve economic growth and fulfill the aspirations of their people.
