Mary Onyia
President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to ensure that they are up to date with their financial obligations to the body to enable ECOWAS to meet the expectations and recommendations of its ministers of Defense and Finance.
The president spoke at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States and Government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria, where he was re-elected for another one year tenure as the chairman of the body.
He said substantial financial resources are crucial to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and combat terrorism, banditry and violent extremism, adding that members fulfilling their financial commitment to ECOWAS will help stabilize the region and combat insecurity.
President Tinubu said: “Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potentials, move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires, not only strong political will, but also substantial financial resources.
“We must therefore ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our ministers of Defense and Finance in order to counter the insecurity and stabilise our region. Member states must make extra commitment on providing resources for stabilizing the region.
According to him, their commitment to their financial obligations to the body will demonstrate their dedication to regional security and cooperation.
He further implored member states to unite and develop innovative approaches to unlock the region’s economic potential and promote prosperity.
He acknowledged the economic hurdles hindering progress and stressed the need for partnerships, investment, and infrastructure development.
President Tinubu’s one year tenure as Chairman of ECOWAS effectively ends. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, as he begins another one-year tenure.
President Tinubu, who accepted his re-election, appointed the President of Senegal to join in the mediation with Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad.