Foreign Affairs ministers from members of the Economic Community of West African States are gathered in Abuja, Nigeria to discuss the bothering issues hampering regional integration, economic growth and development.
The issue of early warning and response Centres were tops the agenda.
Nigeria Minister of Foreign, Yusuf Tuggar in his opening remarks at the 53rd Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council of the ECOWAS Commission said the early warning and response Centres are essential to strengthening regional resilience against emerging threats.
The meeting which is holding in Abuja is being chaired by Tuggar.
He also called on Member Nations to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions.
He said: “The agenda before us today highlights the pressing challenges facing our region. Among these is the political situation in Member States, where transitions, electoral processes, and governance deficits demand our concerted attention. Political stability, as we all recognize, is the foundation of sustainable development and regional integration. It provides the conditions necessary for peace, security, and economic growth. Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled
“Thus, we must redouble efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions.
“Similarly, the escalating threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime pose a shared burden that no single country can confront alone. These challenges underscore the necessity of collective action and regional cooperation. As the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism concludes this year, this meeting offers a critical opportunity to chart a forward-looking strategy to bolster our collective security architecture and sustain the momentum in addressing these threats.
“Our region also faces a dire humanitarian situation, with millions affected by displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters, including devastating floods. It is imperative that we intensify efforts to address these challenges comprehensively, with a view to ensuring that no community is left behind.
“Today’s agenda also includes critical discussions on the operationalization of the National Early Warning and Response Centres and a presentation by GIABA on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, both are essential to strengthening regional resilience against emerging threats.
“Excellencies, Members of the Mediation and Security Council, Distinguished Guests, Despite these challenges, it is essential to recognize the progress we have collectively achieved. A notable milestone is the significant improvement in maritime security within the ECOWAS Maritime Domain (EMD), where no piracy incidents were reported in 2024. This success is attributed to enhanced maritime infrastructure deployment and the successful SAFE DOMAIN III operation conducted by Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, which safeguarded critical infrastructure and deterred illegal activities. The success of this exercise indeed showcased the power of regional collaboration.
“Furthermore, our efforts to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force are advancing steadily. We have already received cost implications for its activation, and at this session, we anticipate updates from the ECOWAS Commission on the modalities for mobilizing the required resources to make this initiative a reality.
“In line with the Authority’s directive to maintain regional unity, Nigeria has engaged key stakeholders, including the African Union, the United Nations, and Member States, to develop comprehensive strategies to address the challenges confronting our region. These engagements have reinforced the critical importance of solidarity and partnership in securing lasting peace and stability.
“As we look ahead, let us remain mindful that peace and stability in West Africa are prerequisites for the prosperity and development of our region. I call on all Member States to renew their commitment to working together in solidarity and shared purpose to overcome the challenges we face and to build a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.”
