President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, officially handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The symbolic handover took place during the closing ceremony of the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
President Tinubu described it as a great honour to have led the regional bloc, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his tenure. He said he was leaving the role with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for West Africa’s future.
“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader reflected on the various political and security challenges faced by the region and called for strengthened cooperation, unity, and people-centered governance among member states.
“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations,” he said.
Tinubu also emphasised the inseparable link between political stability and economic development, stating that economic integration cannot be built on a fragile political foundation.
“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region,” he added.
He commended the ECOWAS Commission and staff for their commitment and professionalism, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for regional unity and prosperity.
In his acceptance speech, President Maada Bio pledged to lead ECOWAS with a people-focused, action-driven approach. He outlined four main priorities for his tenure—restoring constitutional order and democracy, revitalising security cooperation, boosting regional economic integration, and rebuilding institutional credibility.
“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” President Bio stated.
He praised Tinubu for his leadership, particularly in promoting dialogue and regional stability.
“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” Bio said.
The new ECOWAS Chair also acknowledged the security and governance challenges facing the region, especially in the Sahel and coastal states. He stressed the need to engage transitional governments constructively and strengthen democratic institutions guided by the rule of law.
President Bio called for a complete overhaul of the region’s security architecture and the development of stronger trade and infrastructure systems that benefit women and youth across West Africa.
