Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Shettima ECOWAS Summit engagement is scheduled to hold on Sunday, July 19, at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Freetown. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Vice President will join Heads of State, senior government officials, ministers, business leaders and regional stakeholders from across West Africa to deliberate on issues affecting the sub-region.

The summit is expected to consider major policy decisions and strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening cooperation among ECOWAS member states. Discussions will focus on advancing regional peace and security, deepening democratic governance, promoting economic growth and reinforcing West Africa’s commitment to regional integration.

Participants are also expected to deliberate on measures to improve trade, enhance economic integration and accelerate sustainable development across the region. The annual gathering provides an opportunity for member states to review progress on regional initiatives while agreeing on collective strategies to address emerging political, economic and security challenges facing the West African bloc.

Shettima is attending the summit on behalf of President Tinubu as Nigeria continues to participate in regional efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation within ECOWAS. Following the conclusion of his official engagements in Sierra Leone, the Vice President is expected to return to Abuja.