The just concluded ECOWAS 66th Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a spectacular with many African Presidents, Ministers, heads of missions and representatives of regional and multilateral organizations as well as global institutions in attendance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria was ably represented by it’s Ministers and it’s army of foreign service officials including Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs who was making her debut at the prestigious event.
The Conference provided a great opportunity for Nigeria to renew old alliances and prioritize political and economic stability in the West Africa Region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated President Akufo- Addo and the people of Ghana for the resounding success of their recent presidential and parliamentary elections, and Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey who has just been elected Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
He emphasised that the ongoing regional infrastructure projects like the West Africa Gas Pipiline, West Africa Power Pool, Border Security Operations Technology have significantly enhanced connectivity within the Region, promoting greater regional integration.
A new timeframe of six months was agreed upon for last mediations and diplomatic interventions in respect of the exit of Mail, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS. The Commission commemorates its 50th Anniversary in 2025.