President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Bissau, the capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, disclosed this on Saturday evening in a statement.
Tinubu also visited Nigerian troops stationed in Guinea-Bissau.
Accordingly, the 63rd Ordinary Session Summit, which will open on Sunday, July 9, 2023, will be the first international engagement of the President within the continent since his inauguration.
The 16 regional leaders are expected to address memoranda on several issues facing the continent, including implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Report on the Transition status in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.
Other matters are memoranda on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme and the Report on Obstacles to Free Movement of Goods on the Abidjan- Lagos corridor.
During his visit to the Nigerian Troops, the President expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the soldiers and their Commander, General Al-Hassan Grema, for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country, adding that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in West Africa and worldwide.
“I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to supporting peace and democracy in West Africa and worldwide.
“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other places. We count on your support for the defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force.
“We are proud of you. Proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country,” he said.
