- President Tinubu Hands Over ECOWAS Leadership
- President Bio now assumes the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government
- President Tinubu was initially appointed ECOWAS Chair in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu officially transferred the leadership of ECOWAS to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during a ceremony held in Abuja.
Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bio now assumes the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, marking the end of President Tinubu’s two-term tenure at the helm of the regional bloc.
EDITOR’S PICK
- CWO Welcomes New Members, Children Receive Christ
- Tinubu Condoles With Victims of Borno Attack, Kano Blast
- Container Truck Rams Minibus in Lagos, Driver Killed
The handover took place at the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority, hosted in Nigeria’s capital, countering earlier rumors that Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had been selected in a closed-door meeting ahead of the summit.
In his acceptance speech, President Bio outlined his leadership priorities, which include restoring constitutional governance, strengthening democracy, enhancing regional security cooperation, promoting economic integration, and reinforcing institutional trust.
President Tinubu was initially appointed ECOWAS Chair in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023, and reappointed a year later in Abuja, as leaders sought continuity in addressing regional challenges related to security, peacebuilding, and development.
During his farewell remarks, Tinubu expressed gratitude to fellow West African leaders for the trust placed in him over two consecutive terms.
He said, “As we look forward to the future of West Africa, I remain positive, that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale over greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability and prosperity for our people and for our region.
“In the course of the past two years, we have faced complex regional challenges, political transition, and security trends. I thank everyone of you.”
He called on fellow leaders to stay alert and responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of the people of West Africa.
“Let us deepen the cooperation upon diplomatic principle and foster inclusive growth that leaves none behind, especially our youth, women and vulnerable population who remain central to the future of our region.
“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core original mandate of economic integration and the complex political security and government challenges, including democratic values in our region.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges,” he said.
