By Joy Odor
The Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has affirmed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is committed to addressing the proliferation of arms and ammunition in the sub-region, with President Bola Tinubu fully supportive of the organization’s efforts.
The MFA Minister who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday to commemorate ECOWAS
@ 50 anniversary celebrations in Lagos, informed that the factors responsible for them cannot be blamed on ECOWAS.
He explained that the ammunition they found their ways to the ECOWAS countries following the collapse of Libya and assured that notwithstanding the genesis, the ECOWAS is not folding its arms to stop the proliferation.
The MFA Minister vowed that President Tinubu is fully committed to the steps ECOWAS is putting in place including ECOWAS standby force and other collaborative measures.
“Even in comparison with other regional economic communities, he said ECOWAS is faring better.
“So it’s a work in progress. It’s not perfect, but if you compare us to other regional economic communities, you will see that there’s a lot of progress that has been made.”
Amb. Tuggar expressed optimism that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali will return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) despite their recent withdrawal.
Recall that the three countries officially left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, citing concerns about foreign influence and a desire to establish their own security arrangements.
He emphasized that ECOWAS has left the door open for the country’s potential return, explaining that the relocation of ECOWAS agencies from these countries is in line with the organization’s laws and regulations.
“ECOWAS has done its best to give them the opportunity to reconsider or remain in the community.
“Under different circumstances, we hope that they will return. It’s about the community, it’s about the people, and there’s nothing that stops those countries from returning”Amb. Tuggar said.
The Minister also highlighted ECOWAS’ progress over the past 50 years, including achievements in trade liberalization, intra-state trade, and common external tariffs.
He opined that the Commission is working towards a single currency and has ongoing projects, such as a gas pipeline to Morocco.
According to him, no ECOWAS country has been able to meet the criteria set towards achieving a single currency.
