The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has vowed to uphold democracy, advance economic integration, and bolster collective security in response to growing instability across the region.
The commitment was made by leaders of the bloc during the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, cautioning that the bloc is most vulnerable 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,” he said.
The Nigerian leader explained that while disagreements among member states are inevitable, they must not undermine the sense of belonging or shared destiny.
“Our unity is not transactional but foundational. Fraternity, not force, must define the future of our community,” he added, highlighting terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration as shared threats requiring coordinated action.
“These challenges recognise no borders. No single member state, regardless of size, can achieve enduring stability in isolation,” he continued.
Tinubu formally welcomed the heads of state to Abuja, expressing hope that the summit would strengthen trust, restore confidence, and reposition ECOWAS as a bloc anchored on solidarity, justice, and shared destiny.
Amid discussions on governance and security, the summit highlighted a decisive pivot towards private-sector-led integration.
ECOWAS Commission President 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 crossroads, warning that West Africa faces some of the gravest 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 summit coincides with ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee.
It was reported that President Tinubu and the leaders of ECOWAS countries are meeting at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
