Nigeria Ends 19-Year Streak, Pays Full ECOWAS Levy of ₦85bn

ECOWAS urges protesters to listen to Tinubu and seek peaceful dialogue

Nigeria has made history by clearing its outstanding debt to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), remitting ₦85.54 billion, and fulfilling its financial obligations to the regional bloc for the first time in 19 years.

This milestone was announced by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja. Touray praised Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for paying 100% of its ECOWAS levies for 2023 and up to July 2024.

“This is the first time in 19 years that Nigeria has paid its community levy in full,” said Touray. “It underscores the leadership and commitment of President Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria to our community. We are deeply grateful for this gesture, which demonstrates confidence in ECOWAS leadership and management.”

President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, delivered a rousing call for greater cooperation among member states. He emphasized the importance of protecting citizens, fostering an enabling environment for development, and raising living standards across the region.

“The obligation to improve the lives of our citizens rests on us as leaders,” Tinubu stated. “We must work collectively to protect our people and ensure their prosperity.”

Also Read: ECOWAS urges protesters to listen to Tinubu and seek peaceful dialogue

Tinubu also highlighted recent successes in the region, including Ghana’s smooth presidential elections and Senegal’s parliamentary elections, urging other countries to emulate these democratic milestones.

The session also marked the final appearance of Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo at the ECOWAS summit, as he prepares to leave office on January 7, 2025. Tinubu commended Akufo-Addo for his dedication to democracy and selfless leadership, describing him as “Mr. Democrat.”

Touray echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, thanking Akufo-Addo for his contributions to ECOWAS and regional stability.

Despite Nigeria’s landmark payment, Touray lamented that other member states have been slow in remitting their levies, hampering the community’s operations and initiatives. He urged all member nations to follow Nigeria’s example in honoring their financial commitments.