Nigeria has remitted the sum of N85 billion and $54 million to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) thereby fulfilling all financial obligations of its 2023 and 2024 community levy.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, made this known on Sunday during his opening remarks at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja Nigeria.
According to Touray, the payment of the levy by the Nigerian government underscores the leadership and the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community.
“The good news is that for the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has decided to pay 100 percent of its community levy up to 2023, Nigeria paid 85 billion naira representing 100 percent of the 2023 levy and the level of 2024 up to July 2024. The money was paid on Friday, December 13, 2024.
“This payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community.
“At a more personal level, it underscores a mark of confidence in the ECOWAS that I have been privileged to led since 2022. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful.”
While noting that terrorism remains a major source of insecurity in the region, the President of the ECOWAS Commission pointed out that the incidence of farmer/herder clashes has declined, thereby reflecting the impact of targeted peace building initiatives.
He emphasised that the operationalisation of the ECOWAS standby force to combat terrorism is a significant milestone, hence it promises stability and security for the region.
“Your commitment to mobilising all resources for the standby force and UN Security Council resolution 2719, jointly hold to considerable promise for the stability and security of this region.
“Maritime security, too has been enhanced considerably, with no report of incidence of privacy in the region in 2024.”
Use this link to follow live this 15th of December 2024, the opening ceremony of the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government… https://t.co/BgNQOe0UT0
— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) December 15, 2024
Touray also told the 66th Ordinary session of ECOWAS that significant strides have been achieved in regional economic integration.
“Significant strides have been made in regional economic integration, the operationalisation of the electronic certificate of origin and the continued implementation of the ECOWAS atmosphere neutralisation fields have facilitated interest regional trade.
“Additionally, the African Atlantic gas pipeline project promises to enhance energy access and drive regional industrialization.” He added.
Omar Touray called on the UNSC, to deliver on the 2719 resolutions, which call for Africa’s peace and security.
“I therefore all of our partners, especially members of the United Nations Security Council, to ensure that the promise that resolution 2719 calls for Africa’s peace and security does not get compromised by geopolitical considerations that have nothing to do with African Excellencies.”
He commended the Heads of State and governments on ongoing mediation efforts, he added that the efforts reflected their collective commitment to preserving peace and unity in the region.
“While the impending exit of Burkina Faso Mali and Niger from ECOWAS is disheartening, we commend the ongoing mediation efforts led by their excellencies, President Togo and President of Senegal, these efforts underscore your collective commitment to preserving peace and unity in our region.”
PIAK
Comments are closed.