Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinforce regional economic partnerships and strengthen intra-African trade. Speaking in a message delivered on his behalf during a landmark event in Ghana, Tinubu emphasized the need for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to spark real transformation and inclusive growth across West Africa.

The Nigerian leader’s statement, presented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, came during the inauguration of activities marking ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary in Accra. Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, called for a shift in perspective—from viewing ECOWAS as merely a coalition of governments to recognizing it as a community dedicated to improving the lives of its people.

ECOWAS at 50: Reflecting on Achievements and Aspirations

Tinubu praised the progress ECOWAS has made since its establishment in 1975, particularly in promoting economic integration, liberalizing trade, and reducing poverty levels. Over the last five decades, the regional bloc has made significant strides in creating one of Africa’s most dynamic free trade areas, fostering greater economic cooperation among its member nations.

“Today, we commemorate ECOWAS’ many successes. In fifty years, we have built one of the continent’s most active and impactful free trade regions. This has enabled increased regional commerce and lifted millions out of poverty,” Tinubu stated.

Advancing Education, Innovation, and Inclusive Development

While acknowledging the bloc’s accomplishments, Tinubu stressed the urgency of addressing persistent socioeconomic challenges across West Africa. He pointed to issues such as youth unemployment, limited access to quality education, and the rising trend of young people migrating in search of better opportunities.

He called for decisive policy actions that prioritize human development through improved education, innovation-driven growth, and strategic investments in skill-building for young people.

“Our journey has not been without setbacks. Political instability, economic struggles, underdeveloped infrastructure, and security threats have tested our unity and resilience. Yet, despite these hardships, our resolve remains firm,” Tinubu noted. “Too many of our citizens still struggle in poverty. Too many of our children lack the education they deserve. Too many of our youth, full of promise, are unable to find work or are forced to look for opportunities outside the region.”

A Call for Stronger Regional Collaboration

To ensure long-term stability and prosperity, Tinubu urged all ECOWAS member states to align their national policies with shared regional goals. He emphasized the need to promote unity not only through institutions but also through tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives.

He asserted that greater economic collaboration must be matched by robust efforts to empower individuals and communities. This, he said, would solidify ECOWAS’ vision as a people-centric organization.

Ghanaian President John Mahama echoed Tinubu’s message during the commemorative event. He highlighted the importance of treating ECOWAS as a dynamic organization committed to development rather than a bureaucratic framework. As part of Ghana’s contribution to regional growth, Mahama announced a scholarship initiative aimed at supporting higher education for students across the West African subregion.

“Ghana will be awarding 1,000 scholarships to students from ECOWAS countries. This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening educational access and investing in the next generation of West African leaders,” Mahama stated.

AfCFTA as a Driver of Regional Transformation

The celebration also served as a rallying point for deepening trade cooperation through the AfCFTA, which aims to remove trade barriers and harmonize regulations among African nations. Leaders emphasized that for the trade pact to fulfill its transformative potential, ECOWAS countries must actively engage in structural reforms that support open markets, inclusive growth, and collective economic resilience.

As the region moves into its next chapter, Tinubu and other leaders underscored the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to amplify ECOWAS’ impact, promote industrialization, and strengthen Africa’s standing in the global economy.

A Symbolic Milestone and a Strategic Future

During the anniversary celebration, ECOWAS unveiled its Golden Jubilee logo and official theme for the yearlong series of events. These activities will spotlight the community’s historical milestones while also charting a forward-looking strategy that focuses on sustainable development, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.

Leaders agreed that the path ahead would require commitment to joint action, transparency, and a citizen-focused approach to regional integration. They reiterated that the economic potential of West Africa—and the broader continent—can only be realized through coordinated efforts to address persistent development gaps and unlock new opportunities for future generations.

Conclusion: From Political Pact to People-Driven Prosperity

President Tinubu’s call to action serves as a timely reminder that while ECOWAS has laid a strong foundation for regional cooperation, the next 50 years must deliver deeper impacts at the grassroots level. By aligning trade, education, and innovation policies under the AfCFTA framework, West Africa has a unique opportunity to lead a new era of African prosperity.

With leaders committing to human capital investment, trade reform, and economic inclusivity, ECOWAS is positioning itself not just as a coalition of governments but as a catalyst for a united, empowered, and thriving West African region.