Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to ECOWAS at 50


LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional body marks its 50th anniversary.


Speaking at a commemorative event held in Lagos to celebrate the golden jubilee of ECOWAS, President Tinubu, who is also the current Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, underscored Nigeria’s historic and ongoing role in promoting peace, regional integration, and shared prosperity in West Africa.


“Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975,” the President declared, as he paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding leader and signatory of the ECOWAS Treaty.


President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s consistent contributions to regional solidarity and development, including the Technical Aid Corps and peacekeeping efforts across the sub-region.


He highlighted achievements such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and cross-border cooperation initiatives as hallmarks of the regional bloc’s progress.


However, he cautioned that integration must move beyond mere policy declarations and translate into practical, people-centered benefits. “We must focus on tangible outcomes that impact the daily lives of our people,” he said.


The President emphasized the need to prioritize youth and women in the regional development agenda, invest in education, promote entrepreneurship, drive digital innovation, and strengthen infrastructure across member states.


As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional cooperation, President Tinubu called on member nations to recommit to the founding principles of unity, peace, and progress with “courage, clarity, respect, and determination.”


He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to ECOWAS under the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged collective action among member states to shape a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

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