On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a delegation from the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) paid a courtesy visit to the Representative of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, His Excellency Ambassador Musa Nuhu, at his office in Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria. The WACSOF team, led by its General Secretary, Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat, engaged in discussions with Ambassador Musa Nuhu regarding WACSOF’s mission, recent activities, and potential collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS and the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC).
During the audience, Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat introduced WACSOF and provided an overview of the organization’s vision, mission, and activities. The delegation highlighted recent WACSOF advocacy efforts, including its stance on the easing of economic sanctions on the Republic of Niger and some press statements issued concerning the illegal dissolution of the National Assembly by the President in Guinea Bissau. The WACSOF team emphasized the importance of collaboration with diplomatic missions and sought collaboration with the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) in advancing WACSOF’s mission, particularly within the sphere of ECOWAS activities.
In response, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu explained that the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is one of the One Hundred and Ten (110) Nigerian Diplomatic Missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He provided insights into the functions and strategic importance of the mission, which is the yardstick of a Nigerian diplomatic entity. He emphasised that Nigeria holds a significant leadership role within the subregion, making the Mission a key diplomatic entity within Nigeria’s international relations and engagements. He acknowledged the increasingly significant role played by CSOs in diplomatic and international relations and mentioned that the mission had some engagements with civil society organizations (CSOs). Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu expressed his commitment to include and support WACSOF in its efforts and to explore avenues for collaboration not only with the Mission but also with the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) (which Nigeria currently chairs, in advancing the goals of ECOWAS.
In summary, the meeting between WACSOF and the Representative of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS His Excellency Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu served as a platform for constructive dialogue and potential collaboration. The exchange of perspectives and the commitment from both parties signifies a positive step towards strengthening partnerships, advancing regional interests, and fostering civil society engagement within the ECOWAS framework.
