Nigeria Backs ECOWAS Fight Against Arms Proliferation… Optimistic About Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Return.

By Caroline Ameh

Nigeria has reaffirmed her support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its efforts to curb the growing threat of arms proliferation across the sub-region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, gave the assurance during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, which is being celebrated in Lagos.

Amb. Tuggar attributed the influx of illegal arms into ECOWAS territories to the collapse of Libya, rather than the failings of the regional body. He, however, emphasised that ECOWAS is not complacent and is taking concrete steps to address the challenge.

“ECOWAS is not folding its arms. We are tackling the issue through multiple initiatives, including the establishment of an ECOWAS standby force and other collaborative efforts,” the Minister said.

He praised the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to regional peace and security, reiterating Nigeria’s active role in supporting ECOWAS mechanisms to ensure stability in West Africa.

Tuggar also defended ECOWAS’ record compared to other regional blocs, stating that while the organization is still a work in progress, significant achievements have been made.

“It’s not perfect, but if you compare us to other regional economic communities, you will see that there’s a lot of progress that has been made,” he said.

On the political situation involving Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — which formally withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025 — the Minister expressed optimism about their return.

The three countries exited the bloc, citing concerns over foreign influence and the desire to forge independent security frameworks. However, Tuggar emphasized that ECOWAS has remained open to their eventual reintegration.

“ECOWAS has done its best to give them the opportunity to reconsider or remain in the community,” he stated. “Under different circumstances, we hope that they will return. It’s about the community, it’s about the people, and there’s nothing that stops those countries from returning.”

He also defended the decision to relocate ECOWAS agencies from the departing countries, saying the move is in accordance with the organization’s regulations.

Highlighting ECOWAS’ achievements over the past five decades, Amb. Tuggar pointed to milestones such as trade liberalization, intra-state trade growth, and the implementation of a common external tariff.

He noted that the Commission is also working towards the realization of a single West African currency and major infrastructure projects like a proposed gas pipeline to Morocco. However, he admitted that no ECOWAS member state has yet met the full criteria necessary to adopt a single currency.

The press briefing forms part of a broader set of activities celebrating 50 years since ECOWAS was established to promote economic integration and political stability across West Africa.