Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Speaking at the commemorative event in Lagos, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s historic role in shaping West Africa’s path to peace, integration, and shared prosperity. He highlighted the country’s consistent contributions to regional development, cooperation, and solidarity since ECOWAS’s inception in 1975.
Tinubu paid tribute to retired General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, who helped lay the foundation for ECOWAS as a formidable institution for unity in West Africa. The president also acknowledged Nigeria’s driving force in ECOWAS’s evolution, from promoting trade and free movement to supporting peacekeeping and democratic governance. He cited successes such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and joint border initiatives as hallmarks of the community’s achievements.
However, Tinubu cautioned that regional integration must move beyond policy to tangible outcomes, emphasizing the need for implementation and action. He stressed the importance of focusing development on youths and women, who represent the majority of the region’s population, and investing in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership opportunities. The president also highlighted the need for digital transformation, infrastructure development, and food security to drive sustainable growth across the region.
As ECOWAS celebrates its golden jubilee, Tinubu called on all member states to recommit to the founding ideals with courage, clarity, respect, and determination. He described the anniversary not just as a remembrance of the past, but a call to shape a future built on cooperation, prosperity, and peace. In a message to the people of West Africa, Tinubu said, “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.”
With Nigeria’s continued commitment to ECOWAS, the region is poised to build on its achievements and address the challenges that lie ahead. As Tinubu emphasized, the success of ECOWAS depends on the collective efforts of its member states to implement policies and drive tangible outcomes. As the community looks to the future, it is clear that cooperation, prosperity, and peace will remain at the forefront of its vision for a unified and thriving West Africa.
