Nigeria Dispatches Special Envoy to President Barrow Ahead of Landmark West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja
President Barrow & Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria H.E Ambassador Ojukwu
By Fatou Sillah
The Office of the President has announced that His Excellency President Adama Barrow, on Wednesday, received H.E. Ambassador Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who visited Banjul as a Special Envoy on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During the courtesy call, Ambassador Ojukwu formally delivered an invitation from President Tinubu, inviting President Barrow to attend the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit, scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 20 to 21, 2025.
According to the statement, the summit will provide a high-level platform for African leaders to engage in critical dialogue on enhancing intra-regional trade and investment, advancing policies on regional integration, promoting peace and security, and addressing pressing development challenges such as poverty and unemployment across West Africa.
President Barrow expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the personal gesture of sending a Special Envoy. He also commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the sub-region and the significant initiative to host the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit.
Highlighting the urgency of strengthening regional collaboration, President Barrow underscored the importance of increasing intra-African trade, which currently stands at less than 20 percent.
“President Barrow conveyed his gratitude to President Tinubu for sending a Special Envoy. He further commended Nigeria’s leadership in the sub-region and the initiative to host the first West Africa Economic Summit. He emphasised the need for the region and Africa at large to prioritise intra – regional trade, which stands at less than 20%. “Integrate through trade needs to address cross border issues.” President Barrow emphasised for Africa to look inwards, especially in an era when shifting policy positions are affecting global economy growth,” the statement reads.
The statement further noted the long-standing bilateral ties between The Gambia and Nigeria, particularly Nigeria’s invaluable technical and capacity-building support to The Gambia over the years. Notably, this cooperation includes Nigeria’s assistance in establishing The Gambia’s first University of Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET).
“The President shared the special relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria and the technical assistance provided to the country. Amongst the numerous support is the capacity building in setting up the first University of Science, Engineering, and Technology-USET,” the statement concludes.