President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on West African leaders to preserve and pass on the founding vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Delivering a keynote address at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Tinubu urged leaders to look beyond colonial-era borders and embrace a spirit of unity as one West African family.
As Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, Tinubu recalled how the bloc’s founders envisioned a united and purpose-driven region. He said, “Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our Community.”
He paid tribute to all who have advanced ECOWAS’s ideals, especially General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father.
“I salute former and current Heads of State, ECOWAS leaders, and the Commission staff who have strengthened integration and cooperation. Their commitment has built ECOWAS into a strong force for peace and progress,” Tinubu said.
He affirmed that ECOWAS had fulfilled many of its founding aspirations, including regional peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, and the free movement of citizens. He cited the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts as key achievements in boosting intra-regional commerce and mobility.
“ECOWAS has overcome colonial legacies, uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone countries under a common vision—a major milestone on the global stage,” he said.
Tinubu noted that ECOWAS has made significant progress in governance, democratic norms, and institutional development through election monitoring, the ECOWAS Parliament, and the Court of Justice.
He highlighted advancements in infrastructure, agriculture, digital innovation, and gender equality, naming the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045) as a crucial roadmap.
Despite the progress, he called for more effective policy implementation to ensure citizens feel the benefits of integration. “Our youth and women, who represent the majority, must be central to ECOWAS development,” Tinubu said. “We must invest in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership.”
He reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing support for regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps and promised continued cooperation.
Tinubu urged West African leaders to unite and ensure ECOWAS’s continued success. “As we look ahead, we must renew our commitment—with courage and clarity. Each generation must carry the flame forward.”
He envisioned a future where no child is denied opportunity due to birthplace, and where cooperation, not conflict, defines borders.
“This Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a call to shape our future. In our unity lies our strength; in our solidarity, our success,” he concluded.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, highlighted ECOWAS’s role in peacekeeping, democratic consolidation, and regional infrastructure, including a gas pipeline project.
General Yakubu Gowon expressed pride in ECOWAS’s legacy, though he lamented the exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He remained hopeful that the shared culture and sincere dialogue would bring them back.
“Stay open. They will return—whether as individuals or collectively,” Gowon said.
Dr Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, described ECOWAS as Africa’s oldest and most active regional bloc.
The celebration began with a symbolic re-enactment of the ECOWAS declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. It was attended by the Presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as ministers and representatives from other member nations.