Tinubu Hands Over ECOWAS Leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Bio, Calls for Unity and Inclusive Growth.

By Caroline Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally 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, urging leaders in the region to remain vigilant, united, and committed to inclusive development.

The symbolic transfer of leadership took place on Sunday at the closing of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja, where President Tinubu passed on the ECOWAS Emblem to his successor.

Addressing regional leaders, Tinubu described his tenure as both an honour and a privilege, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his leadership.

“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, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region.”

Reflecting on challenges faced during his tenure, Tinubu cited political instability and security threats as major issues confronting West Africa. He called on member states to deepen cooperation and focus on inclusive growth, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and youth.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” he urged.

Tinubu emphasized the need to preserve democratic values and ensure that economic development is underpinned by political stability.

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” he said. “That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges.”

He praised the ECOWAS Commission, its institutions, and technical staff for their professionalism and contributions to a successful summit, reaffirming his commitment to regional unity.

“As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa.”

In his acceptance speech, President Bio outlined his vision for a “renewed, people-centred, and action-oriented ECOWAS,” pledging to focus on four key priorities: restoring constitutional order, enhancing regional security cooperation, driving economic integration, and rebuilding institutional credibility.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” Bio said.

“We must overhaul our collective security architecture from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities to confront new threats with unity and resolve.”

He underscored the importance of making regional trade schemes and infrastructure projects engines of growth, especially for women and youth, and promised internal reforms to make ECOWAS more transparent and responsive.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” he noted.

President Bio also acknowledged the complex challenges ahead, including terrorism, illicit arms flow, and political instability in the Sahel and coastal states.

“The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens especially our youth are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life.”

He commended President Tinubu for his leadership and for laying a foundation of regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding.

“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said.

The 67th ECOWAS Summit ended with renewed pledges by West African leaders to advance the region’s peace, stability, and socio-economic development amid growing security and governance challenges.