Insecurity: Tinubu seeks ECOWAS joint efforts to tackle cross border crimes
Anthony Ailemen
President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, called on West African nations to mobilise citizens against insecurity currently threatening the region, especially violent extremism and other cross-border crimes that have continued to widen and deepen in their intensity.
The President, while declaring the 67th ordinary session of the authority of heads of states and government of ECOWAS open, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, described the threats as “transitional in nature”, adding that “they are driven by quite an agile and dangerous network that respects no borders.”
The Nigerian leader said, “No single nation can therefore address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to security”
The President, while speaking on the need for a standby Force for the region, said the ECOWAS standby Force should be activated to become a reality
Excellencies, head of state and government, while celebrating our achievements over the past 50 years, we must equally confront the stark and persistent challenges that continue to impede our aspirations.
“This is why the ECOWAS stands by force, must move from the concept to operational reality now.”
Tinubu, however, expressed worries about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired.
” We must act decisively to operationalise the ECOWAS standby force in the fight against terrorism to serve as an instrument for peace and stability for our region
President Tinubu, while assessing the just concluded West African economic summit, said the summit has carved a better future for “sustainable growth, investment and the practical steps needed to strengthen our regional economy by consolidating and building on the work of the ECOWAS.”
“I am pleased to note that under my stewardship as the chair of authority, the ECOWAS military logistics depot in Linguin, Sierra Leone, has been completed. The Depot will play a critical role in providing equipment and other logistics to forces deployed by ECOWAS.”
He recalled that Nigeria, last February, in Ethiopia, signed the South agreement with the African Union.
” With the completion of the depot, Nigeria is committing itself to both the sea lift and air lift arrangement with ECOWAS.
He assured that Nigeria will continue to play its leading role in supporting ECOWAS regional responses to peace and Security.
Tinubu reminded ECOWAS leaders that regional integration will only be meaningful “when it is underpinned by economic prosperity, as we discuss at the West African economic summit, our intra-regional trade remains low, even as we possess the potential to be an economic powerhouse in the continent. We must create the enabling environment, empower
” The private sector, remove trade barriers and create the conditions necessary for industry and entrepreneurship and innovation to flourish.”
He commended ECOWAS for implementing fundamental policies such as the trade liberalisation scheme, the common external tariff, the regional investment code and the protocol of free movement of persons, goods and services.
” These initiatives are the cornerstone of our ambition to create a seamless, borderless regional market that benefits all the citizens, especially the youth.
“To this end, as part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, Nigeria, with ECOWAS Commission, has already hosted the first-ever trade and investment forum, which witnessed participation of all major economic groups and companies in the region.
He therefore urged the leaders to create more platforms for the private sectors to not only network but also collaborate and complement one another.
“It is my expectation that the outcome of the economic summit would feed into the ECOWAS summit and also identify the gaps and challenges of implementation.
“Despite some challenges, ECOWAS has remained a veritable model of regional integration in West Africa and elsewhere.
“In addition, the lack of political will to see through our collective decisions, our greatest challenges are now located in the realm of political governance.
“The threat of security, terrorism, climate change and transitional crimes, democracy has continued to persevere in the region.
“With the situation of Sahalian States AEL countries, under my chairmanship I have deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
He expressed confidence that before too long, “they may return to the family as we leave our doors open for the unity, solidarity and shared vision of the ECOWAS of the future.”
Tinubu, who noted that the people, particularly the youths, remain the region’s greatest assets, added that, ” they represent the majority of our population”
” Their talents, creativity and drive must be harnessed for development. We must invest in education, create sustainable jobs and foster an environment where innovation and digital transformation can thrive.
“In doing so, we will not only unlock economic growth but we will also inoculate our societies against the efforts of extremist groups and criminal syndicates.
“Similarly, we must mainstream gender equality in our developmental agenda. Women are not merely beneficiaries; they are agents of change and social transformation. Their full and active participation in economic and political life is indispensable to building a just, inclusive and resilient society.
“Regional integration is incomplete without physical and digital connectivity.
“We must fast-track the implementation of strategic infrastructural projects, including roads, railways, cross-border energy systems and broadband connectivity. Projects like the West African gas pipeline, the West African power pool and the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway are not just symbols of regional ambition.
He described them as the catalysts for economic transformation.
“These projects will unlock new opportunities, connect isolated communities and improve the living conditions of citizens of the community.
“We must also embrace the digital economy as a core pillar of our integration efforts.
” Expanding broadband access, promoting digital literacy and building secure interoperable platforms, e-commerce, and digital financial services will enable our entrepreneurs, especially young innovators and women, to participate fully in the global economy.
He also appealed to the development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to deepen their engagements.
“Public-private partnerships will be essential to bridge the infrastructure gap and accelerate implementation. Timelines and our commitment must be matched by resource mobilisation, policy harmonisation and efficient cross-border coordination.
“In this regard, our private operatives and entrepreneurs from our regional and within the African continent and our diaspora community have a special role to play.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, while speaking earlier, commended Nigeria’s leadership and dedication of the country’s team, which facilitated the work and helped advance its integration agenda
He also commended the ECOWAS founding fathers for laying the foundations that culminated in the recent 50th anniversary
“If we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our community this year, we owe them a lot of gratitude”, he said.
BUSINESSDAY MEDIA LTD