President Bola Tinubu has urged the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat growing terrorist threats across West Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja, Tinubu expressed concern over delays in operationalising the regional military force, stressing that insecurity has become transnational, requiring collective action.

“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am concerned about the slow pace of activation. The threats confronting us are driven by dangerous networks that respect no borders. No single country can face these challenges alone,” Tinubu said.

He called for stronger political will, enhanced coordination, and a united regional response.

Highlighting milestones achieved during his tenure as ECOWAS chairman, Tinubu cited the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, which will serve as a critical resource hub for deployed forces.

He also referenced Nigeria’s February 2024 signing of the Sixth Agreement with the African Union, signalling Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS through sea and airlift arrangements.

On diplomatic fronts, Tinubu expressed optimism that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would return to the bloc following ongoing engagements.

“We have deployed all diplomatic means to engage our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident they will rejoin the community before long,” he said.

Tinubu further emphasised the need for deeper economic cooperation, private sector empowerment, and accelerated regional integration through key infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway.

The summit was attended by several regional leaders, including Presidents Julius Bio (Sierra Leone), Joseph Boakai (Liberia), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), John Mahama (Ghana), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), Patrice Talon (Benin), and Jean Lucien de Tové.