Vice-President Shettima says good governance, not adventurism, is the real defence against unconstitutional changes of government

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged West African heads of state to avoid the temptation of tampering with constitutional term limits, warning that good governance, not political manoeuvring, is the most effective defence against unconstitutional changes of government.

Shettima spoke on Sunday while delivering remarks on the “Future of Regional Integration in West Africa” at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State summit in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where he represented President Bola Tinubu.

Why Shettima says term limits must not be tampered with

The Vice-President said Nigeria’s position on peace, security and democratic governance is that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability.

“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.

He said the region’s best safeguard against instability lies in delivering results to citizens rather than political adventurism.

“I am to add that beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests that is capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.

We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with the constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes,” he said.

Shettima also condemned recent Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa, disclosing that the federal government had successfully evacuated 1,490 Nigerian citizens affected by the attacks, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to engaging relevant regional and continental institutions on the issue.

Shettima’s remarks on the evacuated Nigerians came against the backdrop of a wave of xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa in recent weeks, an issue that has drawn concern from several ECOWAS member states. He said Nigeria would continue working through the African Union and other continental bodies to press for stronger protections for African nationals abroad.

The summit also saw leaders reaffirm their collective commitment to the ECOWAS Vision 2050 agenda, with several heads of state echoing Shettima’s call for institutional reforms to make the bloc more responsive to citizens’ needs.

Shettima backs ECOWAS Compact for regional integration

The Vice-President described the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, a six-pillar strategy designed to operationalise ECOWAS Vision 2050, as a “forward-looking” document reflecting the collective aspirations of all West Africans.

The Compact’s goal is to transform the bloc from a passive institution into one that delivers concrete public goods, such as security, economic mobility and digital connectivity, to citizens.

“Nigeria recognises the evolving global geopolitical landscape and the Compact’s vision of ECOWAS as a more cohesive, influential, and strategically autonomous regional actor,” Shettima said.

“In an increasingly multipolar world, West Africa must speak with one voice in advancing its collective interests, safeguarding its sovereignty, and building partnerships anchored on mutual respect, equality and shared prosperity.”

He reiterated Nigeria’s support for deeper economic integration through expanded intra-regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development, investment promotion, food security and the gradual implementation of the ECO single currency.

Shettima also advocated increased investment in digital transformation, innovation, science and technology, and emphasised the need to empower women and young people as key drivers of West Africa’s development.

He added that Nigeria remains committed to the establishment of the counter-terrorism force and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force, in order to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy across the region.

He also called for the strengthening of ECOWAS institutions through greater transparency, accountability and efficiency, and commended Sierra Leone for hosting the summit while congratulating outgoing chairman Julius Maada Bio on the successful completion of his tenure.