President Tinubu Re-Elected as ECOWAS Chairperson, Calls for Strengthened Regional Security

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been re-elected as the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday in Abuja.

In his address, President Tinubu urged ECOWAS leaders to work towards establishing a regional standby force to bolster the security and economic stability of the community. He emphasized the importance of a unified approach in the face of escalating security threats across the region.

“The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has significantly enhanced cooperation in training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions,” Tinubu stated. He noted that recent meetings between ECOWAS Ministers of Finance and Defence in Abuja aimed at raising funds for the ECOWAS Standby Force underscore the commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

The Nigerian President called for increased defense budgets among member states to ensure the acquisition of necessary equipment and preparedness. He stressed the need for strong political will and substantial financial resources to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force effectively.

“A peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential,” Tinubu said. “We must meet the expectations and recommendations of our Defence and Finance Ministers to counter insecurity and stabilize our region.”

President Tinubu also recommended that ECOWAS leverage the expertise of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), recognized as one of the best on the continent, to enhance regional security capabilities.