The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy, deepening economic integration, and strengthening collective security in the face of growing instability across the sub-region.
The pledge was made by leaders of the bloc at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for unity among member states, warning that ECOWAS is weakest when divided.
“We do not share geography by accident; we share it by design, by history and kinship. A family bound by memory, culture, struggle and aspiration,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader noted that while disagreements among member states are inevitable, they must not erode the collective sense of belonging and shared destiny within the bloc.
“Our unity is not transactional but foundational. Fraternity, not force, must define the future of our community,” he added.
Tinubu identified terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration as common challenges confronting the region, stressing the need for coordinated responses.
“These challenges recognise no borders. No single member state, regardless of size, can achieve enduring stability in isolation,” he said.
He formally welcomed participating heads of state to Abuja and expressed optimism that the summit would help strengthen trust, restore confidence, and reposition ECOWAS as a bloc anchored on solidarity, justice, and a shared destiny.
Amid discussions on governance and security, the summit also signalled a renewed push towards private-sector-led regional integration.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, announced the launch of the ECOWAS Business Council, naming Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote has graciously accepted to serve as the pioneer chairperson of the ECOWAS Business Council,” Touray said.
Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, described the summit as a historic turning point, warning that West Africa is facing some of the most serious security, democratic, and economic challenges in its post-independence history.
“This session is a defining moment for the future of over 400 million West Africans,” Bio said, noting that the meeting coincides with the Golden Jubilee of ECOWAS.
InfoStride News reports that President Tinubu and other regional leaders are meeting at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
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