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| Last Updated: Jan 19th, 2012 - 11:25:19 |
Diplomacy
Nigeria wants ECOWAS to expedite economic integration
Feb 16, 2010, 18:37
| | Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has urged ECOWAS member-states to move swiftly on economic integration by exercising sufficient political will towards the full implementation of the protocol on free movement of persons, goods and services in the sub-region, while calling for sanctions against deliberate violation of the protocol.
He stated this on Tuesday February 16 while addressing the opening session of the 37th ordinary summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Dr. Jonathan said the declining growth rate in the sub-region – from 4.7% in 2008 to 4.4 in 2009 – has made it imperative for member-states to expedite action on economic integration.
“The full implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services and the Right of Residence and Establishment requires our collective political will. We need to admonish, and if need be, sanction any of our officials found to be deliberately flouting the letter and spirit of this Protocol,” he stated.
While assuring that Nigeria will continue to play its deserved role in driving political and economic regeneration of the sub-region, Jonathan hoped that the second regional currency, the eco, would be launched within the shortest possible time. He was also optimistic that the Joint Border Posts (JBP) and the establishment of a sub-regional Customs Union to facilitate free movement along borders will be achieved this year.
He urged ECOWAS countries to sustain the trend of democratic practices and good governance in the sub-region which he described as a good omen. He called for collective resistance to undemocratic change in the sub-region, warning that “no more will there be comfort zones for such political mis-adventure”. He assured that ECOWAS will assist in restoring constitutional order in Guinea and Niger as soon as possible.
Jonathan drew the attention of the Summit to the emerging concern of “a new unholy alliance between drug trafficking and terrorism” in the sub-region, and urged concerted efforts in partnership with international community to stem the ugly developments.
Outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, said with the numerous ratifications of protocol and decisions by ECOWAS, what remains is concrete action on national implementation of these regional protocols to deepen the integration process. He thanked member-states for the support accorded him during his tenure.
UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, in his message read by Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, Amb. Said Djinnit, commended ECOWAS countries for their strong commitment in addressing the issues of unconstitutional change, drug trafficking and organized crime. He said the UN will assist mediators on the situation in Guinea and Niger.
He also pledged UN’s assistance to ECOWAS on issues of climate change.
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