LAGOS, Nigeria – President Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS, urging member-states to match words with action for real regional progress.
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) emphasizing the country’s historic and continuing role in shaping West Africa’s path to peace, integration, and shared prosperity.
The President, who spoke Wednesday at the 50th anniversary celebration of the regional bloc held in Lagos, declared that “Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975.
“For nearly five decades, we have remained a pillar of regional development, cooperation, and solidarity.”
Reminiscing on ECOWAS founding, President Tinubu, who also doubles as ECOWAS Chairman, paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving leader among the original signatories of the ECOWAS Treaty.
According to him: “General Gowon helped lay the cornerstone of what has become a formidable institution for unity in West Africa.”
The President highlighted Nigeria’s consistent contributions, particularly through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which for nearly 40 years has deployed skilled professionals to serve in various ECOWAS member-states.
“We remain ready to support regional capacity-building and honor every eligible request for assistance,” he stressed.
President Tinubu said Nigeria has been a driving force in ECOWAS’s evolution, from promoting trade and free movement to supporting peacekeeping and democratic governance.
He particularly cited successes such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, joint border initiatives, and interventions to restore constitutional order in troubled member states as hallmarks of the eegional bloc’s achievements.
His words: “ECOWAS has emerged as a beacon of African unity. We overcame colonial-era divisions to forge a shared vision, uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one cooperative umbrella.”
Acknowledging these achievements, Nigerian President cautioned that regional integration must move beyond policy to tangible outcomes.
“Our greatest task is implementation. Our citizens must feel the impact of our decisions. Let us match words with action,” he urged.
President Tinubu stressed the need to center development on youth and women, who represent the majority of the region’s population.
“We must deliberately invest in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership opportunities. Their success is key to the future of ECOWAS”, he stated.
The ECOWAS Chairman also emphasized the importance of digital transformation, infrastructure development, and food security, citing ongoing efforts to harness innovation and drive sustainable growth across the region.
As the regional bloc celebrates 50 years, President Tinubu called on all member-states to recommit to the founding ideals with “courage, clarity, respect, and determination.”
He described the golden jubilee not just as a remembrance of the past, but a clarion call to shape a future built on cooperation, prosperity, and peace.
According to him: “To the people of West Africa: this is your community, your hands built it, your resilience sustained it, and your dreams will define what it becomes. Together, let us carry the flame of integration forward.”
The President, on behalf of Nigeria, reaffirmed: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ECOWAS and to the vision of unity and progress it represents, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Meanwhile, ex-president Muhammadu Buhari has explained his absence at the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS held in Lagos citing need to undergo medical check-up in the United Kingdom.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu, the former Nigerian leader extended his heartfelt congratulations to the regional bloc on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, while expressing regret over his inability to attend the historic celebration in Lagos.
Buhari cited his ongoing medical check-up in the United Kingdom as the reason for his absence.
He wrote: “Regrettably, as Your Excellency is aware, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore unable to attend this historic event.”
The former Nigerian President, however, lauded the achievements of ECOWAS over the past five decades, acknowledging the regional body’s resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
“I congratulate Your Excellency and other Heads of State and Government on the attainment of this Golden Jubilee by ECOWAS,” he stated.
Buhari also paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, commending his pivotal role in the creation of the regional bloc in 1975.
“My felicitation also goes to General Gowon, the only surviving founding father of this august body,” he further stated.
In his letter reaffirming his respect for President Tinubu and other leaders in the region, the erstwhile Nigerian President said, “Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest regards.”
Arise News
