President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged ECOWAS member-states to meet their financial obligations to bolster the organization's ability to address security challenges in the region. He made this call during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, where he was re-elected as Chairman. Tinubu emphasized the need for financial commitments to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force and combat terrorism, banditry, and extremism.
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu pledged to focus on democratic values and the region's interests, particularly as ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025. He appointed the Presidents of Senegal and Togo as Special Envoys to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, countries that announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier in the year.
Tinubu underscored the importance of unity among member-states to unlock economic potential and promote prosperity, highlighting the significance of partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development. He also addressed financial challenges within ECOWAS, urging compliance with community levies to ensure adequate resources for the organization's programs.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, acknowledged the region's democratic progress but noted ongoing challenges such as terrorism, governance deficits, and environmental crises. He proposed an Extra-Ordinary Summit on the future of ECOWAS ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Tinubu's leadership and statesmanship in handling regional crises, emphasizing his role in fostering economic integration and enhancing cooperation among member states.
Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/07/08/after-re-emerging-ecowas-chair-tinubu-charges-members-to-meet-fiscal-contracts/