WAES Summit 2025: MFA Holds Media Parley, Reiterates Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Economic Future.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold move to cement Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa’s economic integration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), backed by the Presidency, is spearheading preparations for the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025. At a high-profile media parley held in Abuja, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, laid out Nigeria’s vision for a more connected, prosperous, and resilient region.
Addressing a room packed with journalists, stakeholders, and international observers, Ambassador Tuggar praised the unwavering leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under whose administration the Summit is being organized.
“The WAES is not just another summit,” the Minister declared. “It is a bold, solution-oriented platform to drive intra-African trade, cross-border investment, and regional economic transformation. It is time for Africa to tell its own story—and tell it loud.”
WAES 2025, to be hosted in Nigeria, will feature a Presidential Roundtable, a CEO Forum, Heads of State sessions, B2B and B2G engagements, and youth and cultural panels. Designed to galvanize cross-border economic initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Summit also seeks to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS free movement protocols, regional peace, and governance.
In response to press questions, the Minister emphasized that this is the first Summit of its kind in West Africa, with a deliberate focus on private sector participation and youth inclusion. “This is about action, not just talk. WAES is a homegrown solution aimed at reshaping our economic landscape,” he said.
Ambassador Tuggar drew parallels with the historic Lagos Plan of Action, noting that WAES builds on Nigeria’s long-standing role as a regional economic powerhouse. He highlighted the Summit’s alignment with sustainable development goals, showcasing Nigeria’s intention to lead West Africa in strategic investment and economic synergy.
On the pressing issue of regional security, the Minister reaffirmed that WAES also serves as a platform for governments to listen to the business community, particularly in protecting investments. He referenced the ECOWAS Security Fund (ESF) as part of the broader strategy to counter insecurity, misinformation, and institutional instability.
“WAES is about mobilizing resources, reinforcing peace, and promoting a democratic economic future for West Africa,” Tuggar added.
He extended an open invitation to civil society, development partners, and the general public to actively participate in the summit, calling on all West Africans to unite behind the vision.
“Let us come together and tell the world the story of a thriving, resilient, and united West Africa,” he concluded.
As momentum builds ahead of WAES 2025, all eyes are now on Nigeria as it prepares to host a landmark event that could redefine the future of economic cooperation across the region.
