23 June, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally handed over leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, calling for continued unity and democratic resilience across the region.
The handover took place in Abuja on Sunday during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. Tinubu, who served two terms as chairman, expressed hope for a stronger, more integrated and secure West Africa under his successor’s leadership.
“It is a profound honour to have served this region. I am confident that under President Bio’s leadership, ECOWAS will continue on the path of peace, security, and prosperity,” Tinubu said during the symbolic transfer of the ECOWAS Emblem.
While reflecting on his tenure, President Tinubu acknowledged the security and political tensions that have challenged the region’s stability, but encouraged member states to remain focused on the future.
“We must deepen our cooperation and ensure inclusive growth that empowers our youth, uplifts women, and protects the vulnerable. Democracy and economic development must go hand in hand,” he stated.
He warned that the region’s economic ambitions would be impossible to achieve without political stability, stressing that “economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment.”
Tinubu praised the ECOWAS Commission and technical teams for their dedication and successful summit planning, reaffirming Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to the regional body.
“As we part ways from this gathering, let us return home with a shared resolve to build a prosperous, secure and united West Africa,” he urged his fellow leaders.
Taking over the mantle, President Julius Maada Bio pledged to run a people-focused and results-driven ECOWAS, built on four key pillars: restoring constitutional order, strengthening regional security, advancing economic integration, and reforming institutional processes.
“We must support countries in transition to rebuild stronger democratic systems rooted in the rule of law. Regional security must be upgraded—from intelligence sharing to rapid response—to address today’s threats,” Bio declared.
On the economic front, he emphasized the need to transform ECOWAS trade initiatives into engines for job creation, particularly targeting the region’s youth and women.
“ECOWAS must reform to become more efficient, transparent, and responsive. This is how we can rebuild citizens’ trust and make regional cooperation meaningful again,” the Sierra Leonean leader said.
Bio also praised Tinubu’s leadership, acknowledging the progress made in dialogue and regional peacebuilding.
“You have laid a solid foundation. I am humbled to build on the progress you’ve achieved,” he said.
Addressing the challenges ahead, President Bio noted that the region is at a critical juncture, facing insecurity, illicit arms trafficking, political upheaval and public frustration, particularly among the youth.
“In many of our countries, young people are not just asking for elections—they are demanding real accountability, transparency, and inclusion,” he added.
With President Bio now at the helm, ECOWAS faces a renewed call to respond to the evolving demands of its people while navigating a region rife with both challenges and opportunities.
