Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has urged ECOWAS member states to commit to funding and sustaining a regional standby force to enhance security and economic stability. Speaking at the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the pressing need for a standby force in response to escalating security threats in the region.
The ECOWAS Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has already boosted cooperation in training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. Recently, finance and defense ministers met in Abuja to raise funds for the ECOWAS Standby Force to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts. Member states are also increasing their defense budgets to acquire necessary equipment and enhance preparedness.
Tinubu stressed the importance of substantial financial resources and strong political will to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force. He encouraged leaders to leverage Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) as a regional hub for capacity building and other opportunities.
Additionally, Tinubu called on ECOWAS management to realign priorities, reduce overhead costs, and establish in-country steering committees. He emphasized the need for full compliance with the Protocol on the Community Levy to ensure adequate funding for ECOWAS programs, noting that Nigeria would lead by example in remitting collected levies.
During the session, Tinubu welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to the Authority and praised Senegal’s recent democratic election. He acknowledged ongoing regional challenges, including terrorism and political instability, and called for unity and innovative approaches to unlock the region’s economic potential. Tinubu highlighted the importance of investment in key sectors, regional trade, and infrastructure to foster growth and resilience.
President Tinubu also sought support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in 2025. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray lauded Tinubu’s leadership and affirmed that ECOWAS should be defined by development rather than conflicts or coups.
Touray noted the implications of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s exit from ECOWAS, including the need for visas and the review of trade and development agreements, which will impact citizens and ongoing projects in those countries.
