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How we conceived ECOWAS by Yakubu Gowon

Clark hails Gowon for speaking out on ECOWAS sanction

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Nigeria’s former military head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Wednesday narrated how leaders of the subregion birthed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

tracing its origin to a conversation he had with the late Togolese leader, General Gnassingbé Eyadema, in the aftermath of Nigeria’s civil war.
Gowon made the revelation in Lagos during the 50th anniversary celebration of ECOWAS, held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on Kofo Abayomi Street, the same venue where the historic treaty establishing the regional bloc was signed by leaders of 15 West African nations on May 28, 1975.
The former Head of State, who remains the only living founding father of ECOWAS, recalled that the idea emerged during his visits across the sub-region to thank countries for their support and understanding during Nigeria’s civil war.
It was in the course of those diplomatic engagements, he said, that the vision for a united West African economic community began to take shape.
He said, “The idea started soon after the civil war, when I went on a thank you visit to member States to thank them for their understanding and support, and was also engaged in entering into, similar bilateral agreement, with each President and Heads of State of the region then. But with General Gnassingbé Eyadema of Togo, we further discussed extending the idea beyond the bilateral level, to what is happening in some parts of the world e.g, in Europe, EEC, later EU, ECA in East Africa, Africa and Caribbean organization.
“We both agreed to get to work at it and got our respective Ministers of Economic and External Affairs to produce a working document for consideration. Prof. Bayo Adedeji and Dr. Arikpo from Nigeria and Mr. Edem Kodjo and another from Togo and their staff set to work, getting other member States involved to produce a working document for consideration.
“We both agreed to get to work at it and got our respective Ministers of Economic and External Affairs to produce a working document for consideration. Prof. Bayo Adedeji and Dr. Arikpo from Nigeria and Mr. Edem Kodjo and another from Togo and their staff set to work, getting other member States involved to produce a working document for consideration.
“Meanwhile, between me and President Eyadema, we were in constant contact with our other colleagues, English and French speaking President and Heads of States, to get their firm commitment to it and subsequently we succeeded to have the ECOWAS programme launched on 28th May, 1975 in Lagos as Lagos Treaty.”
He explained, “The Treaty of Lagos primary aim and objective is to promote Economic Co-operation and integration between and among the member States, focusing on achieving collective self-sufficiency and improving the citizens standard of living – the call for the ECOWAS Community of the people not only for its leadership.”
Gowon said ECOWAS has made significant progress since then.
He noted that the regional body has implemented various policies and programmes, protocols and operations to stabilize entities such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.
He said they have achieved “Trade Liberalization”, by introducing policies to reduce trade barriers and promoting intra-regional trade, thus increasing trade among member State and helping to promote economic growth and development.”
He lamented that despite some of the achievements, the bloc has however fallen short in certain areas.
He stressed that the regional body is still faced with some formidable challenges such as security issues like terrorism, kidnapping, various criminal activities and various ‘activity of man’s inhumanity to man’.
He also expressed his sadness over the withdrawal of the three African states-Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger.
“ECOWAS was hopefully looking forward to a trouble-free peaceful golden jubilee this year, then the bombshell from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, withdrawing from the Community. This came as a great concern to the Community which curtailed its 50 years of existence. It is sad that the Community is Celebrating its Jubilee short of the 50 years as a full original membership.”
“Although ECOWAS had to reluctantly let them go as they decided, it is commendable of the Commission still leaving the door of the stable open and also consider giving the group (AES) to be joint partner and for ECOWAS now to be ECOWASS – ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (and) SAHEL. It is still to maintain its original name and purpose.”
He however said despite the plight, there is reason to celebrate the milestone.
“But it is 50 years of the majority members of the Community and they should be duly Celebrated and let us say happy golden jubilee, ecowas”, he said.
He further explained “We came together not as leaders of disparate States, but as brothers determined to shape a better future for our peoples.
“At that time, our region was emerging from the shadows of colonial bondage, grappling with the complex challenges of nation-building, economic fragility, political instability and weak national institutions. The promise of independence had yet to fully materialize in terms of economic and political freedoms, as well as prosperity for our citizens. It became increasingly clear to us that the way forward for our countries was not isolation, but through coming together, working together and remaining steadfast together in the spirit of regional solidarity.
“Our shared vision was simple but profound: to foster economic integration, strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation, and promote peace and security among the peoples of West Africa. We believed that by working together, we could break the chains of underdevelopment and lay the foundation for a self-sustaining, prosperous region.”
He noted that the treaty that was signed in Lagos was more than a legal document but “a declaration of hope, the formation of a new regional chapter, and a charter of our collective destiny. We envisioned an ECOWAS that would break artificial borders created by the colonial Administrators, facilitate trade, enable the free movement of people, and promote a culture of peace, understanding and dialogue across our diverse region.”
In the years since its founding, ECOWAS has evolved into a cornerstone of regional stability and a powerful emblem of African resilience and unity. Through its Protocols, Peacekeeping Missions, the ECOWAS Passport, and its Early Warning System, the Community has consistently proven that our shared future as Africans is strongest when we stand and work together.”
He also commended the dedication and contributions of successive ECOWAS leaders, past and present, who, in various capacities, championed and continue to advance the noble cause of regional integration.
He added, “Through their vision, commitment, and tireless efforts, they have helped to sustain and deepen the foundations of cooperation, solidarity, and collective progress that we envisioned at the inception of this Community in 1975.
“It would be negligent not to acknowledge the array of innovative and ambitious reforms championed by successive ECOWAS leaders, including present and former Presidents of the ECOWAS Commission. The reforms have not only responded to evolving regional and global realities but have also served to strengthen and adapt the Community’s foundational vision. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to consolidating and refining the initial integration template, ensuring that ECOWAS remains responsive, relevant, and resilient in the face of contemporary challenges.”
He also expressed his joy in the regional bloc saying, “I am particularly proud of ECOWAS’ role in conflict resolution and promotion of democracy. The Community has stood firm in defending constitutional order, upholding democratic transitions, and deploying peacekeeping missions in the face of turmoil. These are no small feats. They are the fruits of the seeds we planted in 1975.”
The former Head of state added that the many challenges faced over the past fifty years should not be forgotten, “yet, through it all, ECOWAS has endured. It has adapted to changing circumstances, undertaken critical reforms, and consistently renewed its commitment to the founding ideals that bind us together.
“However, today is not only a day to celebrate the past, but it is also a moment to reflect on the present and chart the course for the future. Our region still grapples with daunting challenges: youth unemployment, poverty, insecurity, climate change, and political instability. And in recent years, we have witnessed the troubling resurgence of military coups in some of our Member States.
“We must not let these setbacks define us. Rather, let them awaken us to the urgent need to recommit to the core principles of good governance, economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity. Let us remember that ECOWAS is not an institution for the leaders alone, but a community for the people, for the farmer in Bissau, the trader in Cotonou, the student in Freetown, and the entrepreneur in Lagos.
“To the new generation of West Africans, you are the stewards of the next fifty years. Embrace the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism. Strive to build bridges, not walls. Champion accountability and transparency. Defend and uphold democracy. Above all, carry forward the noble pursuit of regional integration and cooperation, because the future of West Africa rests in your hands.”

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