President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday officially handed over the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The handover ceremony took place in Abuja during the closing of the ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu described it as a profound honour to have chaired the regional body, noting that he was deeply humbled by the trust and support of fellow leaders throughout his tenure. “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, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on the challenges of his tenure, Tinubu acknowledged the region’s political and security hurdles but expressed optimism that ECOWAS, under Bio’s leadership, will continue to advance peace, stability, and prosperity. “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.

President Tinubu used the opportunity to urge regional leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens. He stressed the importance of inclusive governance and empowering vulnerable groups, including youth and women. “Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behindespecially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations,” he stated.

He also emphasized that political stability and economic integration must go hand in hand for the region to achieve sustainable development. “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 declared.

Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Commission, member state institutions, and technical staff for their commitment and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s operations. “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,” he concluded.

In his acceptance remarks, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by member states. He promised to lead a people-centered, action-oriented ECOWAS that prioritizes stability, democracy, and regional integration. “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” Bio stated.

The Sierra Leonean leader outlined four key priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order, revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and enhancing institutional credibility. “We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve,” he said.

President Bio further highlighted the need for economic policies that serve citizens and promote resilience. “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,” he noted.

Acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, Bio commended Tinubu for laying a strong foundation in regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding. “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said, extending appreciation for Tinubu’s leadership and vision.

President Bio also addressed the complex realities facing West Africa, including terrorism, illicit arms flow, political instability, and transnational crime. He stressed the importance of reforming ECOWAS to meet the expectations of its people. “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,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, President Bio called for solidarity and renewed commitment to the ECOWAS vision. “Across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” he said.

In a statement by the special adviser to the President on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga said the handover marks a new chapter in ECOWAS leadership as the region navigates multiple security, political, and economic challenges with renewed hope and collective resolve.