Shettima Arrives in Sierra Leone for 69th ECOWAS Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on Sunday to represent Nigeria at the 69th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government Summit.

Shettima landed at the Sierra Leone International Airport, where he was received by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Other dignitaries present to welcome the Vice President included Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Ayo Luther-Ogbomode, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Olawale Awe.

The summit has brought together Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats and development partners from across West Africa to deliberate on issues affecting the region.

Key discussions are expected to focus on regional peace and security, economic integration, democratic governance, trade cooperation and sustainable development among ECOWAS member states.

The meeting also provides an opportunity for leaders to review the bloc’s progress in addressing political and security challenges, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government and cross-border criminal activities.

Nigeria’s participation underscores its continued commitment to regional diplomacy and its leadership role within ECOWAS.

As Africa’s largest economy and one of the founding members of the regional bloc, Nigeria has consistently advocated stronger cooperation among member states to promote stability, economic growth and collective prosperity across West Africa.

The outcomes of the summit are expected to shape ECOWAS policies and strategies on regional integration and security cooperation in the coming months, while reinforcing collaboration among member countries on shared political and economic priorities.