As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concludes his tenure as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), his two-year stewardship leaves behind a significant legacy of regional diplomacy, democratic defense, and economic integration. Taking over the Chairmanship in July 2023, President Tinubu led the bloc through a turbulent period marked by military coups, geopolitical realignments, and complex humanitarian crises.
Defending Democracy Amid Political Turmoil
Tinubu’s leadership was immediately tested by the military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, countries that ultimately withdrew from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). While ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger in response, Tinubu later adopted a more diplomatic approach, lifting key sanctions in February 2024 and calling for reconciliation—aligning with calls from elder statesmen like Gen. Yakubu Gowon, a founding father of ECOWAS.
His administration prioritized diplomatic engagement with AES states, initiating direct talks to restore constitutional order and maintain cooperation in security and development.
Championing Peace and Stability
Under Tinubu, ECOWAS made important strides in peacebuilding:
- Brokered the Sierra Leone Unity Agreement following post-election tensions.
- Continued support for ECOMIG in The Gambia, maintaining peace since 2017.
- Delivered $4 million in support to counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance.
- Facilitated over $9 million in aid to displaced persons across Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.
Enhancing Regional Security
Tinubu activated the ECOWAS Standby Force to counter terrorism and oversaw the completion of a military logistics depot in Sierra Leone. He also supported grassroots agricultural resilience, including the vaccination of 490 million livestock, which strengthened food security and animal health in the Sahel.
Promoting Economic Integration and Energy Cooperation
Economic growth and integration were central to Tinubu’s agenda:
- Oversaw the signing of the $26bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project with Morocco and 13 ECOWAS nations.
- Advanced the Nigeria–Equatorial Guinea Gas Pipeline, a $25bn project to deepen regional energy connectivity.
- Supported the ratification of the AfCFTA by 13 ECOWAS states and promoted trade facilitation through the SIGMAT transit system in 12 member countries.
He also spurred participation in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), with Nigeria recording over 3,000 companies and 6,000 products by late 2024.
Food Security and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Through the Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food (RFAF) and partnerships with the Green Climate Fund, Tinubu’s ECOWAS leadership promoted climate-smart agriculture and rice self-sufficiency, especially in the Sahel region.
Institutional Legacy and Challenges Ahead
As ECOWAS marked its 50th anniversary in May 2025 under Tinubu’s chairmanship, his tenure was seen as a bulwark against the erosion of democratic values and an enabler of regional transformation. His pragmatic blend of sanctions and diplomacy, economic ambition, and strategic humanitarianism has created a benchmark for successors.
However, challenges remain. The security crisis in the Sahel, rising terrorism, and lingering tensions with AES countries will require sustained commitment, funding, and unity within ECOWAS.
