On Sunday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu concluded his tenure as Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, handing over leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio during the 67th Ordinary Session held at Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu, who has led the regional bloc since July 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, “Leading this organization has been a profound honor. I am humbled by your trust and support as I pass the leadership to my esteemed colleague, President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone.” Reflecting on his two-year term, Tinubu highlighted key achievements while emphasizing the urgent need to address ongoing security challenges in West Africa.
Call for Rapid Deployment of ECOWAS Standby Force
A central theme of Tinubu’s address was the delayed activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a regional security initiative aimed at combating terrorism and transnational crime. First proposed by Tinubu in April 2024 during a high-level counter-terrorism meeting in Abuja, the force is intended to work alongside a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination across Africa.
Expressing frustration at the slow progress, Tinubu remarked, “The activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force is lagging behind our expectations. We must transition from planning to action to confront the growing threats in our region.” He underscored the interconnected nature of challenges like terrorism, illegal mining, and ransom-taking, which are fueled by poverty and inequality.
Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had explored funding options for the $2.6 billion initiative, with member states reaffirming their commitment in August 2024. However, escalating insecurity, particularly in the Sahel, has heightened the urgency to operationalize the force.
Milestones and Diplomatic Efforts
During his chairmanship, Tinubu oversaw significant strides, including the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone. The depot is expected to bolster logistical support for ECOWAS-deployed forces, with Nigeria committing to sea- and air-lift arrangements following an agreement signed with the African Union in February 2025.
Tinubu also pursued diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into ECOWAS, expressing optimism about their eventual return. “Through persistent dialogue, I remain hopeful that our brothers will rejoin our community soon,” he said.
On the economic front, Tinubu called for stronger regional cooperation to boost intra-regional trade, which remains low despite West Africa’s economic potential. He advocated for removing trade barriers, empowering the private sector, and advancing infrastructure projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway.
Bio Assumes Leadership Amid Regional Challenges
Following the handover, President Bio praised Tinubu’s leadership, noting that he had laid a “robust foundation for dialogue, economic progress, and peacebuilding.” Bio acknowledged the complex challenges facing West Africa, including terrorism, illicit arms trafficking, and political instability, particularly in the Sahel and coastal states.
“The region is at a critical juncture,” Bio said. “Our citizens, especially the youth, are demanding accountability, transparency, and equitable opportunities. We must respond to these calls while strengthening our democratic institutions.”
Bio’s presidency comes at a time when ECOWAS faces strained democratic spaces in some member states, with constitutional disruptions posing additional hurdles. He pledged to build on Tinubu’s legacy while addressing these pressing issues.
Looking Ahead
As ECOWAS navigates a turbulent period, the transition to Bio’s leadership signals a renewed focus on collective action. Tinubu’s parting message emphasized unity, stating, “No single nation can tackle these transnational threats alone. We must prioritize coordination and political resolve to secure our region.”
The 67th Ordinary Session concluded with a commitment to accelerate the operationalization of the Standby Force and advance economic integration, setting the stage for Bio to steer ECOWAS toward greater stability and prosperity.
