The 66th Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government convened in Abuja, Nigeria drawing African presidents, ministers, and representatives from regional and international organizations. The summit provided a platform to reinforce alliances and focus on the political and economic stability of the West African region.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who presided over the session, commended Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian people for successfully conducting their presidential and parliamentary elections. Tinubu also congratulated Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on her recent election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The summit highlighted advancements in key regional infrastructure projects, including the West Africa Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and the deployment of Border Security Operations Technology. These initiatives were praised for fostering connectivity and accelerating regional integration.
A critical resolution reached at the session was the adoption of a six-month timeframe for mediation and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the suspension of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. The commission will also mark its 50th Anniversary in 2025, emphasizing its commitment to regional unity and progress.
The session underscored ECOWAS’s role as a crucial driver of collaboration and stability in West Africa, with leaders reaffirming their dedication to addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
