West African leaders have converged in Abuja for the 68th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasizing their commitment to regional solidarity, collective security, and shared prosperity.
The summit, themed “Renewing the Founding Vision of ECOWAS,” brought together Heads of State and Government, Foreign Ministers, and senior officials to address pressing issues facing the region.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressed that West Africa’s geography is not accidental but historical and deliberate, bound by culture, memory, and a shared destiny. He emphasized that disagreements among member states must not undermine the foundations of the Community.
The summit focused on key challenges facing the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organized crime, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration. Leaders condemned recent unconstitutional developments in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, praising ECOWAS for its swift response.
ECOWAS Chair, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, called on leaders to renew the Community’s founding vision with courage and unity, emphasizing that instability in one country threatens the stability of all. He pledged that ECOWAS would remain people-centered, security-driven, and anchored on democracy and the rule of law.
The summit also highlighted economic integration, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening regional trade, accelerating monetary convergence, and strengthening cross-border infrastructure. A landmark decision was made to reduce air travel costs within the region, effective January 1, 2026, by abolishing certain taxes and reducing passenger and security charges by 25%.
Humanitarian concerns, including climate change, flooding, displacement, and food insecurity, were also addressed. Leaders called for stronger coordination with development partners and greater investment in disaster risk management.
The United Nations and African Union praised ECOWAS for its stance on constitutional order and regional security, reiterating their support for the Community’s efforts to address terrorism and promote democratic transitions.
As the summit concluded, leaders expressed optimism that the 68th Ordinary Session would reinforce trust among member states and reposition ECOWAS as a stronger, more cohesive bloc, united in securing peace, stability, and prosperity for West Africa’s over 400 million citizens.