Tinubu Hands Over ECOWAS Chairmanship to Sierra Leone’s Bio at 67th Summit in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – June 22, 2025: In a significant transition of regional leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria officially handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The symbolic transfer took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria, marking the end of Tinubu’s tenure as chair and the beginning of Bio’s leadership of the 15-member regional bloc.

President Tinubu, who assumed the ECOWAS chairmanship in July 2023 and was re-elected for a second term in 2024, was lauded for his stewardship during a challenging period for the organization. His tenure was marked by efforts to address regional security concerns, economic integration, and the restoration of democratic governance in member states facing political instability. Speaking at the summit, Tinubu expressed gratitude to his fellow heads of state for their support during his leadership and voiced confidence in President Bio’s ability to steer ECOWAS toward greater unity and progress.

“As I hand over the mantle of leadership, I am confident that President Bio’s vision and commitment will build on our collective efforts to advance the prosperity and stability of our region,” Tinubu said. He highlighted key achievements under his chairmanship, including diplomatic engagements to address coups and political crises in some member states, as well as initiatives to strengthen trade and economic cooperation within West Africa.

President Julius Maada Bio, in his acceptance speech, outlined his priorities for ECOWAS, emphasizing the need to deepen democracy, restore constitutional order, and enhance regional security cooperation. “West Africa stands at a critical juncture. We must unite to promote peace, economic integration, and the welfare of our people. My administration will work tirelessly to ensure that ECOWAS remains a beacon of hope and progress,” Bio declared.

Bio, who has led Sierra Leone since 2018, takes over the chairmanship at a time when ECOWAS faces significant challenges, including ongoing security threats from insurgencies, political instability in some member states, and the need to bolster economic resilience amid global economic pressures. His leadership will also focus on advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) within the ECOWAS region to boost intra-African trade.

The 67th ECOWAS Summit brought together leaders from across West Africa to discuss critical regional issues, including peacekeeping efforts, climate change, and economic development. The summit also addressed the reintegration of member states that had previously signaled intentions to exit the bloc, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following military coups. Under Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS made strides in engaging these countries diplomatically, and Bio is expected to continue these efforts to maintain the bloc’s unity.

The handover ceremony was attended by heads of state and government from ECOWAS member countries, as well as representatives from international organizations, including the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). The event underscored the importance of continuity in ECOWAS’s mission to promote peace, security, and economic development in West Africa.

As President Bio assumes the chairmanship, regional analysts are optimistic about his leadership, citing his experience in navigating Sierra Leone’s post-conflict recovery and his commitment to democratic governance. However, they also note that the challenges ahead will require robust collaboration among member states and strategic partnerships with global stakeholders.

The ECOWAS chairmanship rotates annually, with the chair playing a pivotal role in coordinating the bloc’s policies and representing West Africa on the global stage. President Bio’s tenure will be closely watched as the region seeks to address its multifaceted challenges while capitalizing on opportunities for growth and integration.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from member states to work together under Bio’s leadership to advance the ECOWAS vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.