As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) prepares to mark its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Nigeria has declared its unwavering commitment to regional unity, economic integration, and diplomatic restoration—even as the bloc navigates the challenges of military-led departures from key member states.
At a high-level press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), addressed the media ahead of the commemorative event set to take place in Lagos. He described the upcoming anniversary as both a moment of reflection and a renewed call to action for the region’s future.
“This is not just a celebration — it’s a revalidation of our shared vision,” said Tuggar. “Nigeria is not only a founding member of ECOWAS; we are shaping its future.”
Rising with Vision: Nigeria’s Diplomatic Footprint
Ambassador Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in spearheading ambitious cross-border infrastructure projects, including the Abidjan-Lagos and Abidjan-Dakar trade corridors, and the proposed 15-nation gas pipeline expected to extend to Morocco and Europe. These, he said, are testaments to Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to West African integration.
He also praised Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional policy standardization in sectors such as energy, health, and water, describing the ECOWAS Community Levy — a self-sustaining financial mechanism initiated with Nigeria’s influence — as a “quiet revolution” in regional self-financing.
Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: The Door Remains Open
On the more delicate issue of the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Tuggar emphasized that ECOWAS remains hopeful that the trio will one day return. The three Sahel countries formally exited the regional body on January 29, 2025, citing foreign interference and a desire to establish an independent security pact through their newly formed Alliance of Sahel States.
“It’s about the community, it’s about the people,” Tuggar said. “And under different circumstances, we hope that they will return. The door is not shut.”
He clarified that the ongoing relocation of ECOWAS institutions from these countries is in line with membership agreements. Agencies such as the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) are being moved from Burkina Faso to other willing ECOWAS states — a process already drawing interest from several countries eager to host.
“If you leave, you lose the hosting rights. That’s the agreement all member states signed up to,” Tuggar explained. “But it doesn’t mean those countries can’t return and possibly host new agencies in the future.”
Security and Proliferation of Arms: ECOWAS Responds
When questioned about rising insecurity and arms trafficking in the region, the minister noted that much of the proliferation traces back to the collapse of Libya, which created a dangerous vacuum. However, he assured the public that ECOWAS is taking active steps to curb these trends through the establishment of a regional standby force, with strong backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We’re not folding our arms. ECOWAS is implementing collaborative security measures, and Nigeria is playing a leading role,” he said.
Achievements and Road Ahead at 50
Despite recent setbacks, Tuggar was emphatic that ECOWAS has made measurable progress since its founding in 1975, especially when compared with other regional blocs across Africa. Among the most notable achievements are the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, intra-regional trade initiatives, common external tariffs, and the standardization of policies across member states.
While the long-envisioned single currency project remains a work in progress, Tuggar acknowledged that no member country has yet met all convergence criteria but reiterated that it remains an active agenda item.
“It’s a journey. We’re not perfect, but we’re moving forward,” he said.
Gearing Up for ECOWAS @ 50 in Lagos
The ECOWAS\@50 celebrations will be hosted in Lagos, the City of Excellence, and will feature the only surviving ECOWAS founding father, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), as a special guest of honor. The event will spotlight the history, challenges, and vision of the regional bloc under Nigeria’s current chairmanship.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tuggar underscored Nigeria’s readiness to lead West Africa into a new era of regional cooperation, peace, and economic transformation.
“Let this golden jubilee be a call to action. West Africa is rising — and Nigeria is leading the way.”
