President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to emulate Ghana’s peaceful and democratic practices, citing the nation’s recent elections as a model for unity and political stability in the region. He made this appeal during the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS, held on Sunday in Abuja.
Acknowledging Ghana’s December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, President Tinubu lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo for his leadership and commended the maturity displayed by the nation’s political actors. He highlighted the concession by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) even before official results were announced, likening it to Nigeria’s democratic precedent in 2015.
“This gesture demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people,” Tinubu said. He encouraged ECOWAS members to prioritize unity and political stability to ensure peaceful transitions, not just in West Africa but across Africa.
Tinubu also praised Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for her leadership of the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee and congratulated her on her appointment as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
ECOWAS Achievements and Regional Cooperation
Reflecting on his tenure as ECOWAS Chair, President Tinubu noted achievements in regional integration, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism. He emphasized projects like the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and border modernization efforts that have enhanced connectivity and trade within the region.
The President also highlighted peacekeeping successes in nations like The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, which underscore ECOWAS’ role in maintaining stability. He referenced the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Terrorism as a comprehensive framework for combating violent extremism and ensuring regional security.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Tinubu urged member states to recommit to the bloc’s ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity. “Security is not a luxury but a necessity. Enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” he said.
Nigeria’s Financial Commitment
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for its leadership and financial commitment under Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that Nigeria had fully paid its 2023 community levy and made substantial remittances for 2024, marking the first time in 19 years that the country achieved this milestone.
“On Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and payments for 2024 up to July,” Dr. Touray said, encouraging other member states to follow suit.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event saw attendance from Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal, as well as representatives from Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Togo, and Cape Verde.
Tinubu concluded by urging leaders to maintain their responsibility to protect citizens and create an environment for prosperity, reinforcing the importance of collective action in building a secure and integrated region.
