Tinubu hands over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s Maada Bio

In a significant diplomatic transition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially handed over the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, marking the end of his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The ceremonial handover took place on Sunday, June 30, 2025, during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held in Abuja, Nigeria. During the closing ceremony, President Tinubu symbolically transferred the ECOWAS emblem to his successor, sealing the leadership transition.

Describing the occasion as a “profound honour,” Tinubu expressed his appreciation to fellow West African leaders for their support throughout his tenure. He reflected on the challenges and milestones faced during his chairmanship, which included efforts to safeguard democratic governance, tackle regional insecurity, and foster economic cooperation among member states.

“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” he added.

Reflecting on the region’s recent political and security difficulties, Tinubu urged West African leaders to adapt to the changing needs of their populations.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” he said.

He further emphasized the inseparability of political stability and economic development, calling for the preservation of democratic values in the face of complex regional challenges.

“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of 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 these emerging challenges,” he said.

President Tinubu also commended the ECOWAS Commission, regional institutions, and technical teams for their professionalism in supporting the Authority’s mission and hosting the summit.

He reiterated Nigeria’s enduring commitment to the ECOWAS vision and called for unity among member states.

“As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” Tinubu said.

In his acceptance speech, President Bio laid out a bold vision for ECOWAS under his leadership, pledging to pursue a more responsive, people-focused agenda for the region.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.

“We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” Bio said.

He also praised Tinubu for his efforts in strengthening regional dialogue, fostering economic recovery, and championing peace.

“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said, thanking the Nigerian leader for his “experience and leadership.”

President Bio acknowledged the urgent issues confronting the region—from terrorism and arms trafficking to political instability and transnational crime—particularly in the Sahel and coastal areas.

“The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” the Sierra Leonean said.