President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, officially stepped down as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, urging regional leaders to remain responsive to the pressing needs of citizens, particularly the youth, women, and vulnerable populations.
Tinubu, who served two consecutive terms at the helm of the regional bloc, handed over leadership to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority held in Abuja.
“As we look to the future, I urge all of you to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving need of our people,” Tinubu said in his farewell address.
“Let us deepen the cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.”
The Nigerian leader, who assumed the ECOWAS chairmanship in July 2023, reflected on his time in office, acknowledging the challenges the region faced, including political instability, security threats, and democratic setbacks in several member states.
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“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,” he said.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these and emerging challenges.”
Tinubu expressed optimism in the future of ECOWAS under new leadership, stating: “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 fulfillment and optimism for the future of West Africa.”
He thanked fellow Heads of State and the ECOWAS Commission for their trust and collaboration during his tenure, pledging continued support to regional aspirations.
“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale over greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability and prosperity for our people and for our region,” he concluded.
Taking over the baton of leadership, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and the people of Sierra Leone.
“I accept this responsibility with full awareness of the magnitude of the task ahead and the complexity of the moment,” Bio said. “Our region is at a crossroads. The West Africa we lead today is facing serious challenges – some longstanding, others new and evolving.”
Laying out his vision, Bio outlined a four-point agenda for his tenure: restoring constitutional order in member states, strengthening regional security, unlocking deeper economic integration, and rebuilding institutional credibility.
“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” he said. “From intelligence sharing to rapid response, we must confront new threats with unity and resolve.”
Bio stressed that ECOWAS must evolve into a more accessible and impactful body, saying it should not be perceived as a “distant institution” but rather as “a proactive, people-centered vehicle for peace, inclusion and opportunity.”
The Sierra Leonean leader assumes office at a time when the region is grappling with military takeovers, growing insurgency in the Sahel, rising transnational crimes, and mounting socio-economic stress that continues to test public trust and institutional resilience.
“The democratic space is under strain,” he noted. “Citizens, especially our youth, are demanding not just elections, but accountability, transparency and a fair stake in national life.”
He also pointed to broader regional threats, including climate change, food insecurity, inflation, and energy access, stressing that solutions must be urgent and rooted in the needs of the people.
“West Africa’s future is not one of decline, but of possibility – if we act with courage, urgency, unity and moral clarity,” Bio declared.
