By 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State
Tinubu urges swift activation of ECOWAS Standby Force
Summary
- President Tinubu expresses concern over slow deployment of regional security force
- Calls for united front against terrorism, stronger economic and infrastructure integration
- Hopes for return of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger through diplomatic efforts
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the sluggish pace of activating the ECOWAS Standby Force, urging West African leaders to prioritise moving the initiative from concept to operational reality in the face of mounting insecurity across the region.
Speaking at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, one of his final engagements as chairman, Tinubu warned that transnational threats such as terrorism and organised crime required urgent, collective response.
“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 Nigerian president said.
He stressed that no single nation can tackle the region’s complex security challenges alone, calling for stronger coordination, greater political will, and a united front.
Highlighting progress under his leadership, Tinubu pointed to the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, which is expected to provide vital support to regional deployments. He also noted Nigeria’s commitment to sea-lift and air-lift support following an agreement signed with the African Union in February.
On the diplomatic front, Tinubu expressed hope that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, countries that have withdrawn from ECOWAS, would eventually rejoin the bloc through ongoing dialogue.
“In my time as chairman, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of regional economic integration, calling for a stronger private sector, reduced trade barriers, and accelerated implementation of key infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway.
