Outraged by the persistent xenophobic violence targeting its nationals in South Africa, Nigeria has officially petitioned ECOWAS, calling on the regional body to take a decisive stand.
The Nigerian government wants ECOWAS to push the matter to the African Union (AU) to force a continent-wide resolution.
Nigeria and Ghana have borne the brunt of these hostile mob attacks, which unfolded under the watch of the Cyril Ramaphosa administration.
With its citizens killed, injured, and stripped of their livelihoods in coordinated lootings, Nigeria—like several other affected nations—has been forced to airlift hundreds of its people back home.
Citizens of Southern African countries neighbouring South Africa – Malawi, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana, among others – were also not spared by the rampaging mobs.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on Sunday that xenophobia stands condemned.
“Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Government has evacuated one thousand, four hundred and ninety of its citizens in seven batches and is prepared to engage on this matter,” the President said in an address delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
This position further expands the hint given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, that Nigeria would take retaliatory measures against South Africa.
The National Assembly has condemned the attacks on Africans and is already reviewing the development to come up with its position.
Also at the weekend, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) advised the Federal Government to sue South Africa before the African Court.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a landmark roadmap for strengthening regional solidarity, economic integration, democratic governance and sustainable development across West Africa.
He said Nigeria remained fully committed to implementing the Compact, noting that it aligned with the aspirations of ECOWAS Vision 2050 while extending the bloc’s collective outlook to 2075.
“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration and democratic governance,” Tinubu said.
The President assured fellow leaders that Nigeria would continue working closely with member states and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the achievement of its six strategic pillars.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and facilitating the free movement of persons, goods and services to create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors across West Africa.
On democracy, the President warned that insecurity and instability remained major obstacles to development and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
He said Nigeria supported constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
Beyond military coups, however, Tinubu argued that poor governance and constitutional manipulation were major drivers of political instability.
“I am to add that beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests capable of undermining public order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.
“We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes,” the President said.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to establishing the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations, preventive diplomacy and regional responses to terrorism.
He said Nigeria remained committed to advancing gender equality, expanding women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, investing in education and skills development, supporting youth entrepreneurship and ensuring that young people played active roles in shaping the region’s future.
On recent tensions within the sub-region, the President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, particularly with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), saying sustained engagement remained essential for preserving the unity and relevance of ECOWAS.
Tinubu congratulated Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio for hosting the summit and for inaugurating the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, where the meeting was held.
He commended Bio for his stewardship of ECOWAS over the past year, saying his leadership had helped sustain dialogue, solidarity and regional cooperation despite political transitions, security challenges, economic pressures and humanitarian concerns across the sub-region.
President Bio said the summit provided an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the bloc’s achievements and chart a new course for the sub-region.
Bio said ECOWAS Vision 2050 offers a roadmap for building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous West Africa founded on democratic governance and driven by the creativity and enterprise of its people.
According to him, West Africa must embrace a new era marked by confidence, strategic clarity and a stronger determination to shape its own future.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening governance, accountability and policy coordination across member states.
Touray said the Commission had revived democratic governance and electoral support mechanisms while enhancing regional responses to security and humanitarian challenges.
“We have enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and other transnational threats that continue to undermine stability and development.
“We are also advancing strategic infrastructure projects that are fundamental to our collective future. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline stands as one of the most transformative initiatives ever undertaken in our region.
“By connecting several West African coastal states through a major energy corridor, it promises to enhance energy security, support industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen economic interdependence.
“We also continue to make progress on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project,” he said.