FG expresses committment to ECOWAS integration programmes

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Written by Abdullateef Abubakar Jos

He expressed this in Kano at a sensitisation campaign on exploring the opportunities in the

ECOWAS integration process and programmes, for accelerated national development.

Dr.Muhammad said the ministry was making efforts to have Nigerians fully involved in the

economic potentials of the region in terms of the various protocols, conventions and action

plans signed by the country.

The minister, represented by an Under-Secretary in charge of Administration and Finance,

Amb. Kabir Garba, said Nigeria was committed to the objectives of the establishment of

ECOWAS.

``I must underscore the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained active in this

whole process both at the ECOWAS Commission and in the country.

``However, it is strongly argued that the benefits accruable to Nigerians are not

commensurate with the huge materials and human investment being made by the country

in running ECOWAS, said the Minister’’

He described as abysmal, access to the opportunities and funds within ECOWAS by

Nigerians, adding that the workshop would address the matter by sensitising stakeholders.

The minister said the workshop would deepen understanding of ECOWAS’ various

integration programmes and encourage individuals and institutions to explore such available

opportunities.

In his speech, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, called on state,

local governments and the organised private sector to explore the ECOWAS opportunities in

trade.

He said the ECOWAS Special Development Funds such as the Agriculture and Infrastructure

Fund, were areas that should be tapped to promote the various Nigerian products in the

region.