Nigeria’s tenure at the helm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is drawing to a close as President Bola Tinubu prepares to step down as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Tinubu was first elected to the position on July 9, 2023, in Guinea-Bissau, and re-elected on July 7, 2024, in Abuja. His leadership is expected to officially end during the ECOWAS Summit taking place this weekend at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking at the closing session of the 94th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Friday night, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, signaled the imminent transition.Let me sincerely appreciate each one of you for your cooperation and support to me over the last two years as Chair of this Council, Tuggar said.
As the Summit’s agenda includes the election of a new Chair, this may be my final session in this role.
Tuggar also praised the spirit of collaboration among ECOWAS member states and expressed hope that the same level of support would be extended to his successor. Over the last two years, I’ve enjoyed a very cordial working relationship with each of you. I remain grateful for your unwavering support and hope it continues with the incoming leadership.
The upcoming summit will mark the formal end of Nigeria’s leadership and the election of a new Chair for the regional bloc.
