President Tinubu Urges ECOWAS Leaders to Settle Outstanding Bills to Combat Regional Insecurity
President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has underscored the urgent need for member states to fulfill their financial obligations to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking at the 65th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, Tinubu emphasized that substantial financial resources are essential to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism in the subregion.
Tinubu called on West African leaders to meet their financial commitments to enable ECOWAS to adhere to the expectations and recommendations of its ministers of Defense and Finance. He highlighted that this financial support is critical to ensuring regional security and stability.
“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. We must move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism. I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources,” Tinubu stated. “We must therefore ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our ministers of Defense and Finance in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region.”
The President further urged ECOWAS member states to make extra commitments to provide resources for stabilizing the region. He also suggested leveraging the capability of the Nigeria National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), which he noted as one of the best on the continent.
Tinubu proposed that the NCTC be declared a regional center to benefit all ECOWAS member states through capacity building and other related opportunities.
“Your excellencies, dear heads of state, I urge those of you with time to visit the center before your departure and assess first-hand the facilities and capabilities of NCTC,” Tinubu added.
Additionally, President Tinubu called for unity among ECOWAS member states to develop innovative approaches to unlock the region’s economic potential and promote prosperity.
He acknowledged the economic hurdles hindering progress and emphasized the need for partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development. Tinubu also stressed the importance of a conducive business environment to stimulate growth and build resilience against external shocks.
On the financial challenges facing ECOWAS, Tinubu urged member states to comply with the protocol on community levies to ensure adequate resources for the organization’s programs, assuring that Nigeria would not default on its financial commitments.
“I’m also fully aware of other challenges confronting our region, especially the economic hurdles that hinder our progress to elevate our people from poverty to prosperity. It is imperative that we unite as a community and develop innovative approaches to unleash our vast economic potential,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria, under my leadership, is committed to leading by example by remitting its collected levies to the organization.”
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, also addressed the session, noting that the region has demonstrated the vitality of democracy through successful transitions in countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
However, he warned that the region continues to face multidimensional challenges that overshadow its achievements.
Touray revealed that the Commission has begun preparations for the 50th-anniversary celebration of ECOWAS and is proposing a Special Extra-ordinary Summit to discuss the future of the Community.
“We must therefore be proactive in our response to these developments,” he said. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from ECOWAS leaders to address the pressing issues of security and economic development in the West African region.
