President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially handed over the leadership of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, calling on West African leaders to remain vigilant, united, and committed to inclusive development across the region.
The ceremonial handover took place on Sunday during the closing session of the 67th Ordinary Summit of ECOWAS, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Describing his tenure as both an honour and a profound responsibility, Tinubu reflected on the immense political and security challenges facing the region during his time as chair. “I hand over this mantle with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” he said, expressing full confidence in President Bio’s ability to steer the regional body through its next chapter.
He added, “Our mission remains clear—peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all West Africans. We must not relent.”
While praising the ECOWAS Commission and institutions for their steadfast work, Tinubu issued a rallying call for deeper integration and stronger democratic norms. “Economic integration cannot thrive amid political instability. We must strike a balance between governance, peace, and economic growth,” he emphasised.
President Tinubu also underscored the critical need to prioritise the continent’s youth and marginalised populations. “Our region’s future depends on ensuring that no one—especially our women and young people—is left behind in our development journey,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, President Julius Maada Bio laid out a bold four-point agenda for his tenure: restoring constitutional governance, enhancing regional security, unlocking trade and economic integration, and strengthening ECOWAS institutions.
Bio pledged to lead a “people-centred and action-oriented ECOWAS” capable of responding effectively to today’s complex regional threats. “We must reform our security cooperation—improving intelligence sharing and response capabilities—to confront new challenges with unity and resolve,” he stated.
He also promised to reinvigorate the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border commerce to boost employment and resilience. “Our integration must deliver jobs, economic opportunity, and hope, particularly for women and youth,” Bio said.
Acknowledging Tinubu’s contributions, Bio said, “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have laid, especially in economic recovery, regional dialogue, and peacebuilding.”
Citing growing concerns over democratic backsliding, insecurity in the Sahel, and illicit transnational networks, President Bio urged for greater transparency, institutional reforms, and citizen trust. “Across our region, citizens demand more than elections—they demand justice, accountability, and inclusion,” he declared.
With a new chairman at the helm, ECOWAS now looks ahead to a critical period defined by internal reform, strengthened regional unity, and a people-first approach to governance.
