President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional body marked its 50th anniversary on Wednesday in Lagos.
Speaking at a commemorative ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, President Tinubu, who also chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, urged leaders to transcend colonial-era borders and embrace unity across the region.
“Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our Community. In 1975, our founding leaders envisioned a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide — a region of free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence. That vision is still alive,” the President said.
He paid tribute to past and present leaders who have sustained the ideals of the bloc, making special mention of General Yakubu Gowon, acknowledged as the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS.
“I salute past and present Heads of State and Governments within the Community for upholding the values of integration, cooperation, and solidarity. I commend our former Executive Secretaries and Commission Presidents, whose leadership helped build ECOWAS into a formidable force for peace and progress. I also recognise the tireless work of the ECOWAS Commission staff and institutions,” he added.
President Tinubu highlighted key achievements of ECOWAS over the years, including efforts in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, regional mobility, and collective responses to health and security challenges.
“ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision — an achievement of global significance,” he stated.
He noted that regional initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and Joint Border Posts had enhanced business, cultural exchange, and cross-border mobility.
“On peace and security, ECOWAS has acted decisively to restore constitutional order and counter instability. Our regional cooperation on counterterrorism and financial crime, including through GIABA, reflects our shared commitment to peace and safety.
“In governance, ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance.”
President Tinubu also pointed to advancements in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital transformation, singling out the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045) as a key development roadmap.
Despite these gains, he emphasized the need for stronger implementation of policies and greater involvement of citizens, especially women and youth.
“Our young people and women—who form the majority—must be at the heart of ECOWAS development. We must invest deliberately in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership. Their success is the key to our future stability and prosperity.
“For nearly 40 years, Nigeria has supported regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps. We remain committed to deploying skilled professionals to ECOWAS countries and will continue to honour every eligible request.”
He called for renewed unity and collective action as the bloc looks ahead to the next 50 years.
“As we look to the next fifty years, let us renew our compact with one another—with courage, clarity, and conviction. The work of integration is never done. Each generation must carry the flame forward, lighting the path of unity and shared progress for those who come after.
“Let us imagine a West Africa where no child is denied the opportunity because of where they are born; where our borders are zones of cooperation, not conflict; where our economies thrive through joint effort; and where our people, diverse yet bound by destiny, walk together toward peace, prosperity, and justice.
“This Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of the past but a summons to shape the future. Let us draw strength from our history, courage from our struggles, and hope from our shared potential. In our unity lies our power—in our solidarity, our success.
“To the people of West Africa: this is your Community. Your hands have built it. Your resilience sustains it. And your dreams will define what it becomes. Stand tall. The future belongs to us all,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar also spoke at the event, outlining ECOWAS’s accomplishments in peacekeeping, election monitoring, democratic strengthening, trade expansion, gas infrastructure, and regional security.
Former Nigerian Head of State and ECOWAS founding figure, General Yakubu Gowon, expressed optimism for the bloc’s continued success. While acknowledging the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, he urged patience and engagement.
“Our sister nations that decided to leave will, in time, realise the bonds of culture. And with goodwill and sincere intention, they will find their way back.
“I am very encouraged to see the effort of government, ministers, Chief of Defence Staff, and the President. The President has constantly been working with the groups, and I hope they will convince them to return.
“Continue to be open, and don’t push them away. They will come back as individuals or as a group,” he said.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, praised the bloc as a model of regional cooperation, describing ECOWAS as Africa’s oldest and most active regional body.
The celebration began with a symbolic re-enactment of the ECOWAS Declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and was attended by several regional leaders, including Presidents Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, along with foreign ministers and representatives from other member states.
