West African leaders have pledged to strengthen democracy, deepen economic integration and confront mounting security threats across the region at the 68th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged unity, warning that the bloc is “weakest when divided,” and stressing that terrorism, coups, organized crime, cyber threats, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration “recognize no borders.” He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS-led collective security and cooperation.
A major outcome of the summit was a renewed focus on private-sector–driven integration:
- ECOWAS Business Council Launched: ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, announced the creation of the ECOWAS Business Council, naming Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman.
- The council will serve as a platform for structured dialogue between governments and businesses, and will prepare a West African Economic Investment Summit, modelled on Davos-style forums, to drive intra-regional investment and trade.
ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio described the gathering as “a defining moment” for over 400 million West Africans, amid some of the gravest security and economic crises since independence.
Key security and political decisions highlighted:
- Standby Force & Counter-Terrorism Brigade: Member states are moving to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force, including a 1,650-strong regional counter-terrorism brigade by end-2026, with dedicated funding arrangements.
- Bio condemned recent unconstitutional changes of government, specifically developments in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin, insisting ECOWAS “will not compromise on democratic governance.”
- He praised the rapid deployment of troops and air assets — with Nigeria in the lead — as proof of the bloc’s resolve, and reaffirmed support for time-bound transitions back to constitutional rule.
On the economic front, leaders doubled down on regional integration:
- Bio reiterated commitments to remove trade barriers, harmonise policies, strengthen the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, and align with the AfCFTA.
- He confirmed that a single regional currency by 2027 remains a strategic goal, expected to lower transaction costs and boost competitiveness.
- From 1 January 2026, ECOWAS will abolish air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25%, aiming to reduce airfares, stimulate trade and tourism, and improve mobility.
Leaders stressed that West Africa’s future hinges on unity, strong institutions and the political will to turn decisions into action.
“Our unity is not optional. It is our greatest asset,” Bio said. “History shows that when ECOWAS acts together, we act effectively.”
