Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has urged West African leaders to prioritise political stability as the foundation for economic growth, warning that persistent instability continues to undermine the progress of the Economic Community of West African States.
Speaking at the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), 2025 Awards ceremony, in Abuja, Dr Jonathan said that ECOWAS’ expanding role in promoting democracy and good governance has complicated its operations.
“We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically. Governance challenges remain central to the bloc’s current struggles. If you go into democracy, good governance and so on, that means ECOWAS must interfere with the internal affairs of states. And the issue of sovereignty becomes a problem; this tension is why ECOWAS is still wobbling today.”
Jonathan called on regional leaders to reach firm agreements to stabilise the West African region.
“The heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable,” he called
Highlighting the role of diplomats, the former Nigerian president described ARCAN as a strategic institution in Nigeria’s foreign policy ecosystem.
“This distinguished association occupies a unique and strategic place in our national life… serving as a vital platform for promoting a deeper understanding of international relations, so its members have bridged the gap between diplomacy and the public’s understanding of Nigeria’s role in an increasingly interconnected world,” Jonathan said.
He urged Retired Ambassadors to sustain intellectual contributions to governance.
“By fostering greater awareness and encouraging constructive engagement, you contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness and to Africa’s collective progress, encouraging them to champion dialogue, research and public enlightenment,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of professional competence in diplomacy, recalling his experience with international engagements.
“Not everybody that becomes a president is so conversant with international diplomacy. I was learning every day, so there is the need for proper briefing, protocol guidance and careful selection of envoys. “I would love that collectively you have a publication about Nigerian diplomatic approaches… so that subsequent governments will not make the same mistakes; institutional memory remains critical for policy continuity,” he stated.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who is one of the Awardees, traced the origins of ECOWAS to post-war diplomatic outreach across West Africa. He described the shift from bilateral arrangements to a unified regional framework.
“It was as a result of the various efforts… when we went through a very difficult period in Nigeria,” he said, explaining that visits to thank neighbouring countries evolved into broader regional cooperation. Instead of a single agreement between every country, we thought of something we can all have in common, and that was how the idea of ECOWAS came about,” he said.
General Gowon, who spoke on behalf of the Awardees, emphasised that the initiative was a collective effort driven by civil servants and policymakers.
“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development. The honour should really go back to all the staff… from the youngest… to the senior ones… who worked so hard to make sure that this became a reality. the recognition extended beyond political leaders,” Gowon said.
Reflecting on the early days of the bloc, he recalled the signing of the agreement in 1975 as a defining moment. He noted that leaders from across the region, including Siaka Stevens, gathered with a shared commitment to regional cooperation.
“It will be a very happy memory… to see the various African leaders… come along on that paper,” he said.
General Gowon also commended ARCAN for sustaining diplomatic engagement and policy advocacy.
“I say, ‘Thank you and well done… continue to do the same. Your team is doing exceptionally well. I urged members to keep advising governments on peace and progress,” he added
On his part. The President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), Ambassador Joe Keshi, said the awards were designed to recognise excellence and lifelong service in diplomacy. He underscored the often unseen nature of diplomatic work.
“Six years ago, the ARCAN Award was created to recognise outstanding achievements, dedicated service, and significant contributions to Nigerian diplomacy. Diplomacy… is one profession where success is often invisible and sometimes anonymity is the highest achievement. Outcomes are reflected in “maintained stability, prevented conflicts, cultivated partnerships, and protected national interests”. Keshi said.
Describing Nigerian diplomats as architects of the silent achievements, he noted that they have negotiated in tense rooms, represented Nigeria with dignity across continents, and helped secure our place in the comity of nations.
Keshi said the ceremony carried added historical significance as it honoured the architects of ECOWAS at 50.
“Their collective vision gave birth to ECOWAS in 1975, a bold experiment in regionalism. Today, it remains a testament to what African leadership can achieve when guided by unity of purpose,” he said.
He challenged current and future diplomats to build on that legacy.
“The global order is evolving rapidly; the demands on diplomacy are becoming more complex. The security, economic transformation and climate change as key issues requiring “renewed imagination. To our award recipients… your service has not gone unnoticed… your legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Keshi added, while also acknowledging families of posthumous awardees”, he reiterated.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, commended Gowon’s legacy, describing him as “a statesman whose leadership exemplified patriotism, resilience, and a profound sense of duty.”
“This recognition… provides yet another opportunity to reflect on a legacy defined by visionary leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, peace, and progress of our dear nation,” he said.
Shaibu highlighted Gowon’s military leadership, noting that he “demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen and inspired confidence among troops, which strengthened the professionalism of the armed forces.
He also commended ARCAN’s intellectual contributions to foreign policy discourse.
“The association has continued to distinguish itself as a vital intellectual and diplomatic platform through well-organised public lectures, insightful publications, and scholarly articles. These efforts have not only enhanced public awareness but have also strengthened Nigeria’s engagement with the global community,” Shaibu added, describing the association as a key driver of informed dialogue on international affairs,” he said.
The Association honoured eighteen of its past Ambassadors, including several who were recognised posthumously, as a gesture of appreciation for their commitment to advancing the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic efforts.
This year’s ceremony also presented a special Awards Category, recognising three African leaders whose vision contributed to founding ECOWAS, now 51 years old. General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State (1966-1975); late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma (1967-2005); and Professor Adebayo Adedeji, former Commissioner (Minister) of Economic Planning and Development and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s recognition.
The event brought together diplomats, policymakers and stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s diplomatic trajectory and the future of regional integration, with speakers consistently emphasising that political stability remains central to achieving ECOWAS’ founding objectives.