President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has voiced strong concern over the sluggish pace of activating the ECOWAS Standby Force, urging West African leaders to expedite its operationalisation in the face of growing insecurity across the region.
Speaking at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja—his final session as Chairman—Tinubu stressed the urgent need to transition the force from theory to practice in the collective battle against terrorism and transnational crime.
“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired,” the President stated.
Tinubu underscored the transnational nature of the threats confronting the sub-region, noting that these dangers are driven by sophisticated networks that do not respect national borders.
“No single nation can address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to security,” he added.
The President also highlighted key achievements under his tenure as ECOWAS Chair, including the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He noted that the depot will enhance regional deployment capacity by providing critical equipment and logistical support.
He further announced Nigeria’s commitment to support ECOWAS with sea-lift and air-lift capabilities following the signing of the Sixth Agreement with the African Union in Addis Ababa.
On regional diplomacy, Tinubu expressed optimism that sustained engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would facilitate their return to the ECOWAS fold.
“Under my chairmanship, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident they will return to the family,” he said.
He also called for deeper economic integration, urging member states to empower the private sector, dismantle trade barriers, and foster innovation.
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“Our intra-regional trade remains low despite our vast potential. We must create the right environment for growth and regional competitiveness,” Tinubu urged.
The President concluded by emphasizing the need to fast-track strategic infrastructure projects—including the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway—as drivers of economic development and integration in West Africa.
