In a significant moment for regional diplomacy and cooperation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has officially handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The transition took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. President Tinubu, who served two consecutive terms as ECOWAS Chairman beginning in July 2023, described the handover as a “profound honour and privilege,” expressing deep gratitude for the trust and support he received throughout his tenure.
“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu stated.
During his tenure, President Tinubu led ECOWAS through a period marked by political instability, democratic backsliding, and security challenges across the region. He emphasized the need for continued unity, economic integration, and the preservation of democratic values, urging member states to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving needs of their citizens.
In his acceptance speech, President Bio pledged to lead a “renewed, people-centred, and action-oriented ECOWAS,” outlining four key priorities for his leadership: restoring constitutional order, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.
“Our region is at a crossroads,” President Bio said. “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.”