The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened its 67th Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 22, 2025. The meeting gathered Heads of State to review various reports including the 94th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers and assessments on regional security and political conditions.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, acknowledged the leadership and hospitality of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Dr. Touray emphasized ECOWAS’s accomplishments over five decades and highlighted ongoing dialogues with three member states that have withdrawn from the community. He urged for increased support for the private sector to foster sustainable growth and integration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflected on ECOWAS’s achievements while urging leaders to address security threats such as terrorism and cross-border crimes through stronger coordination and collective action. “While celebrating our achievements over the past 50 years, we must also confront the challenges that continue to impede our aspirations; like the security threats, violent extremism and other cross-border crimes that continue to widen and deepen in their intensity,” he stated.
H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, expressed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting peace and regional integration efforts in West Africa. He stressed collective action against terrorism as a critical priority.
A message from H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission delivered by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, celebrated ECOWAS’s legacy since its founding in 1975. The AU Chairperson called for a united response to challenges such as terrorism while emphasizing efforts against poverty and inequality.
The summit concluded with H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, being elected as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term. He succeeds H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose tenure ended at this session.
A communique is expected following the summit’s conclusion.