By The Merit Newspaper | Abuja, Nigeria – June 22, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday formally handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to his Sierra Leonean counterpart, President Julius Maada Bio, at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Abuja.
The symbolic handover, which marked the end of Tinubu’s tenure as ECOWAS Chair, came with strong calls for renewed unity, democratic resilience, and inclusive economic growth across the region.
Describing his time as chairman as a profound honour, President Tinubu said he was deeply humbled by the trust placed in him by fellow leaders and optimistic about the region’s trajectory.
“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.
“I remain confident that with continued cooperation among all members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity.”
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Reflecting on his administration’s time at the helm of the sub-regional bloc, Tinubu highlighted the complex security and political crises that have tested the unity of member states. He urged leaders to remain responsive to the evolving needs of citizens and to commit to principles of democratic governance.
“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” he said.
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Tinubu also stressed the importance of aligning political stability with economic development, insisting that economic integration must be rooted in a sustainable democratic environment.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” he said. “We must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges.”
The Nigerian leader commended the ECOWAS Commission, its institutions, and technical personnel for their professionalism and dedication, which he said were instrumental in executing the bloc’s mission and organising a successful summit.
In his acceptance speech, President Maada Bio laid out four major priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order and democracy, strengthening regional security cooperation, advancing economic integration, and enhancing institutional transparency.
“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” President Bio stated.
“From intelligence sharing to rapid response, our security framework must be retooled to counter emerging threats.”
He emphasized the need for regional economic instruments such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and infrastructure development to function as engines for youth and women empowerment.
“The region must work toward economic resilience through cross-border value chains and job creation,” he said, calling for ECOWAS reforms to increase transparency and responsiveness. “This is how we rebuild trust in regional cooperation.”
President Bio acknowledged the many challenges confronting the region, including terrorism, arms trafficking, political instability, and transnational crime, particularly in the Sahel and coastal states. He also recognized citizens’ growing demands for not just electoral processes, but also accountability and equitable participation in governance.
He thanked President Tinubu for his leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by strategic dialogue and foundations for regional progress.
“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” Bio said, expressing appreciation for Tinubu’s contributions to regional peace and economic recovery.
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Member states pledged to confront shared challenges and deepen cooperation for a more secure and united West Africa.
