ECOWAS heads of government summit begins in Abuja

The 68th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government began at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday.

The summit features a Special Debate on the Future of the Community, alongside discussions on regional priorities, including political stability, security cooperation, and economic integration.

Regional leaders have arrived in Nigeria ahead of the session, which is being chaired by the President of Sierra Leone and ECOWAS Authority Chairman, Julius Maada Bio.

According to a statement on Bio’s X handle, the ECOWAS chairman arrived in Abuja on Saturday.

“I arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, to preside over an Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“As Chair of the Authority, I look forward to constructive deliberations with my colleagues on the urgent challenges confronting our region.

“At this important gathering, the regional leaders are expected to discuss various critical issues impacting West Africa, with particular focus on recent incidents involving Guinea-Bissau and Benin,” the statement read.

Key agenda items include deliberations on the future of the ECOWAS Community, presentation of the 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Community, updates on regional security and mediation efforts, progress on Guinea’s political transition, and a review of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme

The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a final communiqué, followed by a joint press conference.

Earlier this week, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja unanimously endorsed President John Mahama of Ghana as the sole ECOWAS candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union when the rotational slot comes to West Africa in 2027.