Victor Ezeja
Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, has hailed the successful conduct of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections and urged West African leaders to imbibe the good democratic practice demonstrated during the polls for political stability in the region.
Tinubu made the call during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Abuja on Sunday. Tinubu noted that with the peaceful and transparent nature of the election, Ghana has set a high standard for the region.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa recalls that the during the presidential election that took place on 7 December 2024, incumbent vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia, who is of the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and accepted the outcome of the Presidential election by congratulating the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama of National Democratic Congress (NDC), for his victory, even before the official announcement of the election results.
President Tinubu compared the Ghana election outcome to what happened in Nigeria in 2015 when former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, saying it “demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana.”
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent,” the Nigeria leader stated.
Tinubu described President Akufo-Addo as a strong Pan-Africanist and commended him for his unwavering dedication to ECOWAS and outstanding leadership during his two-year mandate.
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He also congratulated the Government and people of Senegal on their successful parliamentary elections.
Tinubu, who is now in his second tenure as ECOWAS Chair, highlighted accomplishments in the first term, including advancements in economic growth, regional integration, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism initiatives.
He noted that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Common External Tariff (CET) have strengthened trade and economic ties.
The ECOWAS chair noted that regional infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and modernizination of key border posts with advanced equipment and joint border operations have significantly enhanced connectivity and promoted greater regional integration.
According to Tinubu, the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism has offered a thorough framework for combating violent extremism and bolstering regional security.
He further called on leaders of member states to recommit to the ECOWAS founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity, insisting that it is their fundamental responsibility to protect the citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper.
He also emphasised the need for leaders in the West African region to see the provision of security and enhancing the living standards of the people not as luxury but a necessity.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has paid N85 billion ($54 million) as a community levy to ECOWAS. President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, confirmed the payment on Sunday during his remarks at the meeting.
Touray, who commended Nigeria for paying 100 per cent of its community levy in 2023 and substantial part of 2024, stated that it was the first time in 19 years that the country did such.
“For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy from 2023. I’m therefore pleased to announce that on Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy up to July 2024,” Touray stated.
“We all agree that this payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Bola Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to our community. At a more personal level, it represents confidence in the management I have been privileged to lead since 2022.”
He encouraged other member states to meet their financial commitments diligently.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
