Lagos: President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary. In a keynote address on Wednesday in Lagos, the President urged leaders to look beyond the artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu, the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noted that the founding fathers foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc that would benefit many generations. He emphasized the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines the community. Tinubu recalled the vision of the founding leaders in 1975, envisioning a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide, promoting free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence.
The President highlighted the achievements of ECOWAS in areas such as peacekeeping, trade liberalization, and free movement of citizens, as well as its efforts in addressing security issues and global pandemics. He described ECOWAS as a beacon of African unity, uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations. Tinubu pointed out that the region has pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration through initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts.
On matters of peace and security, Tinubu stated that ECOWAS had acted decisively to restore constitutional order and counter instability. The regional cooperation on counterterrorism and financial crime, including through GIABA, reflects a shared commitment to peace and safety. In governance, ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law.
President Tinubu also mentioned progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, citing the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020-2045) and new platforms advancing regional growth and gender equality. He stressed the need for more vigorous policy implementation and urged member states to ensure citizens feel the tangible benefits of integration, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth and women's education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted ECOWAS's achievements in peacekeeping, election monitoring, strengthening democratic institutions, trade liberalization, gas pipeline construction, and security. The only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, expressed his happiness that the regional body had survived for fifty years and impacted the continent. He voiced concern over the departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, expressing hope that they would return to the regional fold.
Dr Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, noted that ECOWAS has become a shining example as Africa's oldest and most active regional bloc.