President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West
African
States (ECOWAS) following his election at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the
Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held in the Republic of
Guinea-Bissau. The announcement was made in a statement issued by his Special
Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, who
described the election as a unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu by his
counterparts.
President Tinubu,
Nigeria’s newly elected leader, graciously accepted the honor on behalf of
Nigeria and pledged to fulfill the responsibilities of the office and run an
inclusive administration of the regional organization. However, he expressed
his concern over the escalating threats to peace in the sub-region, including
terrorism and the emerging pattern of military takeovers, which demanded urgent
and concerted actions.
He emphasized that
insecurity and terrorism were hindering the progress and development of the
region and called for collective action from member states. President Tinubu
pledged to harmonize frameworks under his leadership to realize ECOWAS’ goals.
He emphasized the need to utilize regional frameworks to address the menace of
insecurity, as terrorists do not respect boundaries.
Despite being a
first-time participant at the summit, President Tinubu expressed humility and
honor at assuming the leadership of the regional body. He reiterated his
commitment to serving the interests of the community and outlined his
priorities, which included political stability, peace, security, regional
economic integration, and strengthening of ECOWAS institutions.
The Nigerian President
stressed the importance of democracy and good governance as the cornerstones of
peace and sustainable development. He condemned the emerging pattern of coup
d’etats in West Africa and called on ECOWAS to stand firm in defense of
democracy. President Tinubu highlighted the need to strengthen democratic
institutions, respect human rights and the rule of law, and enhance engagement
with countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule.
Furthermore, President
Tinubu emphasized the importance of private sector participation in the
economic development and social integration of member states. He pledged to
promote trade, investment, and business cooperation by addressing barriers to
intra-regional trade and creating a conducive business environment. President
Tinubu called for economic partnerships to increase trade and investments,
leading to employment creation and sustainable development for citizens.
To realize his vision
for the region’s economic recovery and growth, President Tinubu announced
Nigeria’s intention to convene an ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Trade and
Investment in October 2023. The summit would provide an opportunity for member
states to showcase their potentials and encourage business cooperation within
the region. He also stressed the need to strengthen ECOWAS institutions and
ensure the effective implementation of the ongoing institutional reforms.
President Tinubu
expressed his gratitude to the Authority of Heads of States and the citizens of
the community for their trust in his leadership. In his welcome address, the
outgoing ECOWAS Chairman, President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo of the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau, commended the leaders for sustaining the vision of
the organization despite economic challenges and trouble spots within the
region. He specifically acknowledged Nigeria and Sierra Leone for upholding
constitutional order through successful democratic elections, while
highlighting countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, where the
constitutional order had been disrupted.
President Tinubu’s
election as the Chairman of ECOWAS marked a new chapter in regional leadership,
with hopes for strengthened security measures, enhanced economic integration,
and a firm commitment to democracy and good governance throughout West Africa.
