Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
The President, who accepted his re-election, also appointed the President of Senegal to join the mediation efforts with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad.
In his address, President Tinubu emphasized the crucial need for ECOWAS member states to fulfill their financial commitments to the regional body.
He stressed that substantial financial resources are essential to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism in the region.
With his one-year tenure as ECOWAS Chairman set to expire on July 9, President Tinubu urged member states to honor their financial obligations, enabling ECOWAS to meet the expectations and recommendations of its Defense and Finance ministers.
He emphasized that fulfilling these commitments will help stabilize the region, counter insecurity, and demonstrate member states’ dedication to regional security and cooperation.
According to him, “Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potentials, move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires, not only strong political will, but also substantial financial resources.
“We must therefore ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our ministers of Defense and Finance in order to counter the insecurity and stabilise our region. Member states must make extra commitment on providing resources for stabilizing the region.
“To this end, I urge ECOWAS to leverage on the capability of the Nigeria National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), which is widely acknowledge as one of the best on the continent.
“The Nigerian government has decided to declare the NCTC as a regional centre to enable all ECOWAS member states benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities it offers.
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“Your excellencies, dear heads of state, I urge those of you with time to visit the centre before your departure and assess first-hand on the facilities and the capabilities of NCTC”, President Tinubu said.
President Tinubu also urged ECOWAS member states to unite and develop innovative approaches to unlock the region’s economic potential and promote prosperity.
He acknowledged the economic hurdles hindering progress and stressed the need for partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development.
