President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja from Accra, Ghana, after attending the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU). He was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by senior government officials at around 10 pm on Sunday.
While in Ghana, President Tinubu, who also chairs the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), provided updates on the organization’s developments. In his speech, he discussed both the achievements and challenges facing ECOWAS.
President Tinubu highlighted ECOWAS’ progress in various areas, including counter-terrorism, electoral support, economic integration, humanitarian efforts, education, health, energy, mines, and agriculture. He mentioned the activation of a Standby Force to combat terrorism, support for member states in enhancing electoral and governance processes, and steps taken to consolidate the free trade area, customs union, and common market.
He also spoke about ECOWAS’ humanitarian efforts, including a $9 million allocation to assist those in need, and support for member states on the front lines of the fight against terrorism. However, he acknowledged the bloc’s challenges, such as multiple threats, geopolitical rivalries, terrorism, food insecurity, climate change, and misinformation.
President Tinubu emphasized ECOWAS’ commitment to dialogue, unity, and the importance of a Special Extraordinary Summit on the future of the Community.
During the meeting, President Tinubu also held a bilateral discussion with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, where they agreed to continue working together to advance their countries’ interests.
