Tinubu bows out as ECOWAS chair, urges unity, vigilance, inclusive growth

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, expressing deep gratitude and calling on regional leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development.

Delivering his closing remarks at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Abuja, President Tinubu reflected on his stewardship with a sense of fulfilment and hope for the future of the West African sub-region.

“Please permit me to express my profound gratitude for the confidence you’ve placed in me to serve as Chair of the Authority, not once, but twice,” Tinubu said. “It has been a profound honour and privilege to lead this esteemed body.”

As he handed over the reins to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Tinubu extended warm congratulations and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to guide ECOWAS through the next chapter of its journey.

“I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism. I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

President Tinubu acknowledged the challenging terrain that defined his tenure—marked by political upheavals and persistent security threats—but commended the resilience and commitment shown by ECOWAS leaders and institutions.

“In the course of the past few years, we have faced complex regional challenges, political transitions, and security threats. I thank every one of you,” he said.

He reiterated that economic advancement could not flourish in the absence of political stability, highlighting the need to anchor integration efforts in democratic governance and institutional integrity.

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” Tinubu cautioned. “That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges.”

Advocating for a people-focused agenda, the outgoing Chairman urged ECOWAS to prioritise inclusive growth, ensuring that no segment of society is neglected in the drive for development.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind,” he urged. “These groups remain central to the future of our region.”

He also called on member states to be responsive to the evolving demands of their citizens, emphasising the delicate balance between economic ambition and the pressing imperatives of political and security realities.

President Tinubu took time to acknowledge the efforts of the ECOWAS Commission, community institutions, and technical personnel who, he noted, had played a vital role in the successful organisation of the summit and the broader work of the regional body.

“Let me also thank the ECOWAS Commission and all staff for their tireless work in supporting our organisation,” he said.

As the session drew to a close, Tinubu offered a stirring call for unity and determination among member states in pursuit of a stable and prosperous West Africa.

“Let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he concluded.

With those words, President Tinubu formally declared the 67th Session closed, ceremoniously transferring the chairmanship to President Bio of Sierra Leone, marking the beginning of a new era in ECOWAS leadership.