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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the opening of the 67th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government commenced in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu sounded a stark warning about the escalating threats of violent extremism and cross-border crimes undermining West Africa’s stability. Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority, Tinubu stressed that these security challenges are transnational and cannot be tackled by any single country alone.
“These threats are transnational in nature, driven by quite an agile and dangerous network that respects no borders,” President Tinubu declared. “No single nation can therefore address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritize a collective approach to security.”
Highlighting the urgency of operationalising the ECOWAS Standby Force, Tinubu expressed concern over the slow pace of its activation: “I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired. We must act decisively to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force in the fight against terrorism to serve as an instrument for peace and stability for our region.”
He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to regional security by announcing the completion of the ECOWAS military logistic depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, which will provide critical support to deployed forces: “The depot will play a critical role in providing equipment and other logistics to forces deployed by ECOWAS.”
Tinubu’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to reintegrate Sahelian states such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which had exited the bloc following military coups.
He reiterated the importance of diplomatic engagement and solidarity: “Under my chairmanship, I have deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family as we leave our doors open for the unity, solidarity, and shared vision of the ECOWAS of the future.”
Tinubu linked security challenges with broader regional development goals, urging investment in youth empowerment, education, and digital innovation as bulwarks against extremism: “Our region’s greatest assets are our people, particularly its youths. Their talents, creativity, and drive must be harnessed for development… In doing so, we will not only unlock economic growth but also inoculate our societies against efforts of extremist groups and criminal syndicates.”
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Reflecting on recent landmark events, including the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in Lagos and the West African Economic Summit held in Abuja, Tinubu congratulated all stakeholders for their efforts: “The two events have been very successful. At the economic summit, we turned our attention towards a better future, sustainable growth, investment, and the practical steps needed to strengthen our regional economy by consolidating and building on the work of ECOWAS.”
On economic integration, President Tinubu emphasized the need to boost intra-regional trade and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation: “Our intra-regional trade remains low, even as we possess the potential to be an economic powerhouse on the continent. We must empower the private sector, remove trade barriers, and create conditions necessary for industry and innovation to flourish.”
He praised ECOWAS initiatives such as the trade liberalization scheme, common external tariff, regional investment code, and protocols on free movement: “These initiatives are the cornerstone of our ambition to create a seamless, borderless regional market that benefits all citizens, especially the youth.”
Highlighting the importance of youth and women in development, Tinubu said: “Our region’s greatest assets are our people, particularly its youths, who represent the majority of our population. Their talents, creativity, and drive must be harnessed for development. Similarly, women are not merely beneficiaries; they are agents of change and social transformation.”
He also stressed the urgency of advancing physical and digital connectivity projects: “We must fast-track the implementation of strategic infrastructural projects including roads, railways, cross-border energy systems, and broadband connectivity. Projects like the West African Gas Pipeline, the West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway are catalysts for economic transformation.”
President Tinubu concluded by calling for collective engagement and partnership: “Together, let us craft a roadmap for a more secured, integrated, and prosperous West Africa. I formally declare the 67th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS open.”
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray honoured the community founding fathers and Nigeria’s leadership. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, Touray honored the founding fathers who laid the foundation for the community’s enduring legacy: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, let us recall the founding fathers who decided to put together ECOWAS, including His Excellency Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, and other visionary leaders from across the region. We owe them a lot of gratitude, and we say thank you.”
He added, “On behalf of the management and staff of ECOWAS institutions, I would like to extend our warm appreciation to President Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria for their leadership and generosity to ECOWAS.”
Touray paid special tribute to Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and his team for their dedication in advancing the ECOWAS integration agenda: “Minister Tuggar’s leadership and dedication of his team facilitated our work and helped advance our integration agenda as they hand over the leadership of ECOWAS. We at the ECOWAS institutions remain grateful.”
