WAES to promote integration, development in West Africa – Tuggar

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the forthcoming West African Economic Forum. The summit has been scheduled for 20th and 21st June 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. Tuggar at a media parley on Monday noted that the forum, which is an initiative of […]

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar has expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the forthcoming West African Economic Forum.

The summit has been scheduled for 20th and 21st June 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Tuggar at a media parley on Monday noted that the forum, which is an initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening economic ties, unlocking investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development across West Africa.

The Minister explained that the summit is designed to foster regional integration and economic cooperation among member states.

He said, “We’re not just talking about ECOWAS and ECOWAS states, but indeed to all states, businesses, private sector, development finance institutions that pertain to the West African region.

“What we’re talking about is regional integration. What we’re doing with each other. How do we strengthen that so that we’re trading more.

“The event aims to unlock investment opportunities by identifying and supporting investment-ready projects. Furthermore, the summit seeks to foster sustainable development by encouraging inclusive economic growth and development.

“The event will feature a range of activities, including a deal room, business conferences, and cultural events showcasing the region’s rich heritage.”

He also added that “The summit’s objectives align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ambitions, focusing on promoting intra-African trade by strengthening regional trade and investment.”

Tuggar also pointed out that the initiative will be driven by the private sector.

He stressed that it is the private sector that will drive the initiative while the governments provide all the necessary support for them to excel.

The minister also highlighted the importance of peace and security in the region, saying, “For business to take place, to thrive, the environment must be secure, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to address security challenges.”

The minister also explained that “The summit is not modelled after the World Economic Forum in Davos, but rather a novel, homegrown African original idea.

“We’re focusing this administration on preferring homegrown solutions to our problem, instead of copying and pasting what exists in other regions.