Tinubu, West African Leaders Demand Urgent Action on Trade Integration at ECOWAS Summit.

By Caroline Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday warned that West Africa’s prospects for economic transformation could be jeopardized if intra-regional trade continues to languish below 10 per cent, urging member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to act decisively and collaboratively.

Mr Tinubu, who doubles as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, made the remarks at the opening of the regional summit held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

“The global economy will not wait for West Africa to get its act together—and neither should we,” he said in his address. “Rather than competing in isolation or relying on external partners, we must strengthen our regional value chains, invest in infrastructure, and coordinate our policies.”

Despite its demographic advantage, West Africa, the president noted, continues to trail in meaningful economic integration. He warned that the region’s youthful population could become a burden rather than an asset if governments fail to invest in education, digital infrastructure, and innovation.

Highlighting Nigeria’s own initiatives in digital connectivity, skills development, and youth empowerment, Mr Tinubu stressed that prosperity in one country depends on regional cooperation in energy, trade, and data ecosystems.

“We must move from declarations to concrete deals; from policy frameworks to practical implementation,” he said, pointing to projects such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool as examples of collaboration in motion.

The Nigerian leader further called for an end to the raw export model that has long defined Africa’s mineral economy, urging a shift toward local value addition and manufacturing.

“It is not enough to be resource-rich; we must become value-chain smart,” Mr Tinubu said. “The era of pit-to-port must end.”

The President of The Gambia echoed similar concerns, noting that the region has failed not for lack of frameworks but due to ineffective implementation of existing instruments, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the Common External Tariff.

“If these instruments exist, the problem is: how do we implement them?” he asked. “It is time to remove all trade barriers and provide full support to regional businesses.”

He also pointed out the importance of interfaith harmony and responsible governance in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Benin’s President focused his address on the disconnect between policy ideals and execution. Speaking both in English and French, he said the region’s underdevelopment stems from its inability to implement its own lofty goals.

“It’s not the will that is lacking. Our main failure is our inability to put our ideals into practice,” he said. “That responsibility lies with leaders, ministers, and the entire administrative structure.”

He called for deeper Nigeria–Benin cooperation, describing the two countries as “identical from north to south,” and urged President Tinubu to join him in leading a new dynamic of integration.

Sierra Leone’s President focused on practical integration strategies in the face of climate shocks, insecurity, and macroeconomic instability.

He backed the creation of a single regional currency, citing its potential to reduce exchange rate costs and foster trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The president also called for:
Improved customs systems,
ECOWAS biometric ID card adoption,
Harmonisation of capital markets, and
Investment in youth-led innovation and infrastructure.

“Trade integration must start with strong political commitment,” he said. “We must act decisively to tackle insecurity, institutional bottlenecks, and macroeconomic imbalances.”

Liberia’s President used the platform to announce the country’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council, attributing the victory to broad international support.

He aligned Liberia’s priorities with AfCFTA goals, highlighting investments in:
Sustainable agriculture and agribusiness, Road and port infrastructure (including the Port of Monrovia), Renewable energy expansion, and A digital economy geared toward youth innovation.

“This summit offers a timely platform for reflection, coordination, and a renewed commitment to economic transformation,” he said.

The summit concluded with a resounding consensus: ECOWAS must urgently evolve from an institution of ideals and frameworks into a hub of execution and delivery. President Tinubu’s closing remarks summarised the sentiment:

“Let us emerge from this summit with actionable outcomes: a renewed commitment to ease of doing business, enhanced intra-regional trade, improved infrastructure connectivity, and innovative ideas that move our people from poverty to prosperity.”
West Africa, he said, must not miss the next industrial revolution.