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NIGERIA’S LEADERSHIP IN ECOWAS UNDER MUHAMMADU
BUHARI: CONTRIBUTIONS, CHALLENGES, AND IMPLICATIONS
FOR REGIONAL STABILITY
Dahiru Adamu
Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja
Tel: 08033115314
E-mail: tahiradam2@[Link]
&
Prof. Sale Dauda
Abstract
This study explores Nigeria's role within the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. Utilizing secondary sources and
the theoretical framework of hegemonic theory, the research highlights Nigeria's substantial
contributions to the regional organization. Under Buhari’s leadership, Nigeria provided more
than 75% of the financial resources within the ECOWAS region and upheld constitutional
order, notably in The Gambia. These actions bolstered Nigeria’s international prestige.
However, the study also identifies challenges, including some ECOWAS member states' failure
to meet financial obligations, internal socio-economic issues, the Boko Haram insurgency, and
difficulties in fully restoring democracy in certain member states. While Buhari's firm stance
against coups is notable, it proves insufficient. The study recommends that Nigeria should
address internal challenges to sustain its leadership in ECOWAS and West Africa, enhance
collaboration with other member states on security and economic issues, and promote good
governance and accountability to prevent military coups.
Keywords: Nigeria, role, military coups, ECOWAS, hegemonic theory.
Introduction
Sub-regional economic blocs play an increasingly pivotal role in the globalized world, serving
as crucial mechanisms for promoting trade, fostering economic cooperation, and enhancing
political stability among neighboring countries. By pooling resources and coordinating
policies, these blocs enable member states to strengthen their collective bargaining power on
the international stage, pursue shared development goals, and mitigate common security
threats. From the European Union (EU) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), such regional organizations have proven essential in fostering economic growth,
peace, and social development (Library Guides: International Economic Organizations:
Regional Organizations, n.d.). In Africa, where the pursuit of regional integration is seen as a
key to addressing the continent’s developmental and security challenges, sub-regional blocs
like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have played a critical role
in promoting both economic and political cooperation (Regional Economic Communities |
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, n.d.).
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was established in 1975 with
the primary objective of promoting economic integration and fostering cooperation among its
member nations to create a cohesive and thriving region known as West Africa. Since its
founding, ECOWAS has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from its original
emphasis on economic matters to encompass a wide range of critical issues, which now include
promoting political stability, addressing security challenges, and advancing social development
initiatives across the member states. This evolution is indicative of the organization’s
unwavering commitment not just to facilitating economic growth, but also to ensuring a lasting
peace and stability throughout the entire region (Sesay, 2020).
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Nigeria, in partnership with Togo, played an essential and foundational role in establishing
ECOWAS, by championing the idea of regional economic integration in West Africa.
Historically, Nigeria has emerged as a leading contributor to the efforts of ECOWAS,
providing substantial financial support and actively participating in various initiatives aimed at
enhancing regional cooperation (Omo-ogbebor, 2017). Before the administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria had consistently exhibited strong and decisive leadership within
the regional bloc, a characteristic that was exemplified by the country’s significant financial
investments and contributions, which underscored Nigeria’s enduring commitment to the
success and sustainability of the organization (Usman, 2023).
In addition to its financial contributions, Nigeria’s engagement in conflict resolution and
peacekeeping missions has represented a crucial aspect of its leadership within ECOWAS,
showcasing the nation’s dedication to promoting stability in the region. Notably, Nigeria
played an instrumental role in the restoration of democratic governance in the war-torn nations
of Liberia and Sierra Leone during the tumultuous periods of the 1990s and early 2000s. These
concerted efforts were pivotal not only in stabilizing these nations but also in supporting the
re-establishment of democratic institutions that had been severely disrupted by conflict.
Nigeria's proactive and strategic approach in these critical situations serves as a testament to
its influential role in ECOWAS, as well as its broader commitment to fostering regional
stability and promoting sustainable development (Sesay, 2020).
However, under the leadership of President Buhari, Nigeria’s assertive stance and dominant
role within ECOWAS have sparked debates concerning his approach to regional diplomacy,
particularly the extent of Nigeria's hegemony and its implications for regional dynamics. This
particular study fills a significant gap in the existing literature by investigating Nigeria's
contributions and involvement in ECOWAS during the tenure of President Buhari. While
previous studies have explored Nigeria's role in both regional integration and conflict
resolution, adequate attention has not been given to the unique contributions and initiatives
undertaken under Buhari's administration, which spanned from 2015 to 2023. This
comprehensive study provides an extensive and detailed analysis of Nigeria's contributions, its
influence on regional policies, the successes and challenges encountered, as well as the lasting
impact that its leadership has had on the stability and integration efforts within West Africa.
Methodology
This study utilized secondary sources, including academic journals, textbooks, and relevant
online resources such as news articles, policy briefs, and reports, to investigate Nigeria's role
within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during President
Muhammadu Buhari's administration (2015–2023). These secondary sources were
instrumental in providing established insights, comprehensive analysis, and historical context,
allowing for a nuanced understanding of Nigeria's contributions, challenges, and influence in
the region. By drawing on reputable publications and reports, the study incorporates diverse
perspectives and critical evaluations, enriching the analysis with evidence-based findings.
Sources were carefully selected based on their relevance to Nigeria's contributions to
ECOWAS during the specified timeframe and their credibility. Thematic analysis was then
employed to identify recurring themes related to Nigeria’s leadership, financial contributions,
challenges, and broader implications within ECOWAS during Buhari’s presidency, helping to
achieve the study’s objectives.
Literature Review
This section explores the concept of regional integration and examines empirical scholarly
works on Nigeria's foreign policy towards ECOWAS.
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Regional Integration
Laursen (2008) articulates the concept of regional integration as a multifaceted process through
which two or more sovereign nations engage in collaborative efforts to achieve enduring peace,
long-term stability, and sustainable prosperity that benefits all involved parties. In a similar
vein, Oman (1994) conceptualizes regionalism as a comprehensive framework comprising a
collection of ideas, targeted goals, and strategic policies that are specifically designed to
transform a particular geographical area into a distinct and easily identifiable social space that
resonates with the unique characteristics of that region. Deutsch, as cited in the works of Brou
and Ruta (2011), elaborates on regional integration by describing it as a deeply interconnected
and mutually interdependent relationship among various nations, which in turn facilitates the
emergence of systemic properties and capabilities that cannot be realized when nations operate
solely on an individual basis. Essentially, regional integration encompasses the intricate
process of countries coming together to form regional organizations that are focused on
pursuing shared objectives that benefit their collective interests. Regional organizations, which
can include both financial entities as well as non-financial institutions, represent subgroups of
larger international organizations, as noted by Butorina and Borko (2022), thus highlighting
their role within the broader global context.
Regional organizations are defined as supranational institutions whose member constituents
are governments situated within a defined geographical region of the world, allowing them to
address issues that are particularly relevant to their locale. In contrast to broader global
organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) or the World Trade Organization (WTO),
which tackle challenges and issues that affect the entire planet on a global scale, regional
organizations are specifically designed to foster cooperation and integration among countries
that reside within a specific continent or area. By uniting nations that share common
geographical, historical, and cultural backgrounds, continental organizations such as the
African Union (AU) or the Organization of American States (OAS) endeavor to promote
regional stability, enhance security, and facilitate development that is beneficial to all member
states involved (Regional Economic Communities | United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa, n.d.) These organizations play a pivotal role in facilitating open dialogue, encouraging
cooperation, and harmonizing policies among the various member states, thereby addressing
shared challenges and leveraging their collective strengths to achieve common goals. For
instance, the African Union is instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote peace and
security across the African continent, fostering regional economic integration, and coordinating
collaborative efforts to effectively address and resolve conflicts that may arise (Cohen, 2002).
Furthermore, sub-regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are specifically
focused on addressing the unique needs and interests of a selected subset of countries within a
larger continent. These organizations are dedicated to deepening the process of regional
integration, enhancing economic cooperation, and promoting peace and stability within their
respective sub-regions, thereby creating a more cohesive and harmonious environment among
member states(Butorina& Borko, 2022). By concentrating their efforts on a more narrowly
defined geographic area, sub-regional organizations can tailor their strategies and policies in a
manner that is more effective and relevant to the distinct challenges and opportunities that each
member state faces. For example, ECOWAS plays an essential and vital role in stimulating
economic growth, ensuring political stability, and fostering cultural exchange among its
member states in the West African region, thereby contributing significantly to the overall
development of the area (Butorina& Borko, 2022).
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Empirical Review: Nigeria’s Foreign Policy towards ECOWAS
Nigeria's foreign policy toward ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975 has continued to be
a subject of scholarly interest, particularly under the Buhari administration. Its first Prime
Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, laid the foundation for Nigeria's foreign policy
in his pre-independence foreign policy statement on August 20, 1960. Balewa declared that
Nigeria would prioritize assisting African countries in addressing their challenges and fostering
a common understanding among African nations (Kolapo, 2006).
Similarly, during his address to the 15th regular session of the United Nations General
Assembly on October 7, 1960, Sir Abubakar Balewa reiterated Nigeria's commitment to
African unity,stating that "Nigeria remains an African nation and cannot be indifferent to
anything that affects the African continent." These pronouncements solidified Nigeria's
position as a frontline state in African politics (Unya, 2022).
During the military era, Nigeria's focus on Africa intensified. General Yakubu Gowon, in a
presidential address, declared Africa as the centerpiece of the country's foreign policy. The
subsequent leadership of General Murtala Mohammed further reinvigorated this commitment.
Dissatisfied with the previous government's foreign policy conduct, the Murtala/Obasanjo
administration conducted a thorough review. This culminated in Murtala Mohammed's
powerful speech at an OAU meeting in January 1976, where he reiterated Africa's central role
in Nigeria's foreign policy (Kolapo, 2006).
Successive administrations have continued to build upon the principles of Nigeria's foreign
policy, enshrined in the 1979 and 1999 constitutions. Nigeria's significant contributions to
regional organizations like the African Union (AU), Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission (NNJC),
Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), and Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) further demonstrate its Afro-centric foreign
policy approach (Sesay, 2020).
Unya (2022) uses primary and secondary sources to analyze Nigeria's role in ECOWAS since
its establishment. His research reveals Nigeria's significant contributions to financial
responsibility, peace and security, and regional integration. However, he recommends that
Nigeria refocus its foreign policy to avoid being outmaneuvered by smaller, Francophone
countries.
Egbo (2003), using a qualitative methodology, also highlights Nigeria's leading role in
ECOWAS, emphasizing its desire to maintain its leadership status in the sub-region. Nigeria's
military interventions in conflict zones, particularly during the military era, align with its Afro-
centric policy of restoring peace and security (Danjuma et al., 2012).
Adams and Ebegbulem (2016), in their qualitative study titled "Nigeria's National Interest and
Interventions in West African Conflicts: A Critical Analysis," found that Nigeria's leadership
role and interventions in West African conflicts are not always based on a clearly defined
national interest. They recommended that Nigeria's leadership role and interventions should be
guided by a clear national interest.
Akanbi and Akinola (2007), in their qualitative study titled "Hegemonic Factor in Conflict
Resolution in Africa: A Case Study of ECOMOG," found that Nigeria played a positive role in
West Africa, particularly through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). However,
they recommended that the government prioritize Nigeria's national interests in its ECOWAS
engagement.
The transition to democratic rule in 1999 marked a new era in Nigeria's politics, ending decades
of autocratic rule. It also brought optimism to Nigerians and international bodies. Nigeria
assumed a regional leadership role, leading by example and optimizing mixed legal grounds
and credibility to ECOWAS protocols on good governance and democracy (Omo-ogbebor,
2017). Successive regimes have embraced this hegemonic role, underpinned by the strongest
military in West Africa and funded with oil riches (Unya, 2022). However, under Buhari's
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administration, several countries suffered attacks from insurgents, separatists, bandits, and
criminal elements. Between 2020 and 2021, there were two coups in Mali and Guinea, as well
as an attempted coup in Niger. Nigeria's inability to effectively defeat Boko Haram, address
other domestic security issues, and assert its role as the hegemon in bringing the coup plotters
to rescind their position diminished its leadership role in the sub-region.
Sesay (2020), in his publication titled “Nigeria and ECOWAS under the Administration
ofPresident Muhammadu Buhari: being our Brothers’ Keeper, Commitment to Community
Spirit,” employs qualitative methods and demonstrates that Nigeria made positive
contributions to ECOWAS from 2015 to 2019. He underscores that, despite the internal
security and economic hurdles, the nation, during Buhari’s leadership, validated its significance
in Africa, especially through the ECOWAS regional body, owing to Nigeria’s well-designed
and articulated foreign policy, which was developed to address the challenges and requirements
emerging in the region. He advises that Nigeria ought to assert its influence by ensuring
accountability in ECOWAS's expenditures to guarantee that its financial resources are
effectively utilized within the organization.
Theoretical Framework
This study employs hegemonic theory as its central theoretical framework to analyze Nigeria's
significant role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from its
inception in 1975 to 2023. Hegemonic theory, advanced by scholars such as Robert Keohane,
Charles Kindleberger, and Robert Cox, explores how a dominant nation-state can exert
considerable influence over others within an international or regional system. Unlike regional
integration theories like functionalism, which focus on the mutual benefits and collaborative
efforts among sovereign states, hegemonic theory highlights the uneven distribution of power
and influence (Team, 2023). Nigeria's hegemonic role within ECOWAS has significantly
shaped the organization’s policies and responses to regional challenges such as conflict
resolution, peacekeeping, and economic integration (Akinbi& Akinola, 2007). This framework
helps elucidate the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s leadership and its impact on the region.
The Relevance of Hegemonic Theory and the Study
Hegemonic theory, though not without its critics for oversimplifying power dynamics and
neglecting the agency of non-dominant groups, remains a valuable framework for
understanding Nigeria's role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Since independence, Nigeria has consistently exerted significant influence in the West African
sub-region and beyond. Its active participation in peacekeeping missions, such as those in
Liberia and Sierra Leone, demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and the African
cause. Nigeria's leadership in establishing ECOWAS, despite competing regional interests,
underscores its hegemonic position. This influence persisted throughout Buhari's
administration, cementing Nigeria's status as a key player in sub-regional affairs. Nigeria's
unwavering support for ECOWAS, despite competing loyalties towards rival organizations
within the subcontinent, solidified its position as a champion of regional integration (Akinbi&
Akinola, 2007).
Analysis of the Impact of Nigeria’s Role in ECOWAS Under Buhari’s Administration
Nigeria's commitment to ECOWAS during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration
(2015–2023) remained consistent with its historical leadership role since the establishment of
ECOWAS in 1975. This analysis is divided into three key areas: contributions, challenges, and
implications for regional stability.
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Contributions
Nigeria has consistently been the largest financial contributor to ECOWAS, significantly
outpacing other member states. For example, in 2018, Nigeria contributed more funds to
ECOWAS than 13 member states combined (Sesay, 2020). According to the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Nigeria accounted for 75% of West Africa’s total
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributed more than 75% of the human and financial
resources within ECOWAS (Sesay, 2020: 203). This financial backing allowed ECOWAS to
undertake critical military and peacekeeping missions, which would have been difficult without
Nigeria’s substantial support (Chukwudiebere, 2018 cited in Ibrahim and Ahmad, 2020).
The figure below underscores the financial contributions of the 15 ECOWAS member states,
with Nigeria providing the highest contribution to ECOWAS’ budget:
Source: Chukwudiebere (2018)citedin Ibrahim and Ahmad (2020).
Between 2003 and 2015, Nigeria injected $710,497,352 (equivalent to 480,355,205 Unit
Accounts, AU) into ECOWAS more than the contributions of 13 member states combined.
These 13 states Mali, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Niger, Cabo Verde, Guinea-
Bissau, Liberia, Togo, Guinea, Senegal, and Sierra Leone collectively contributed $697.947
million during the same period. This data was presented during the ECOWAS Parliament's
Extra-Ordinary Session. The Unit Account (AU) is the official nominal monetary unit used to
assess the real value of ECOWAS' currency. In 2018, Nigeria remained the top contributor,
followed by Ghana and Senegal (Chukwudiebere, 2018 cited in Ibrahim and Ahmad, 2020).
During Buhari's tenure, Nigeria maintained its leadership position, not only financially but also
in its support of peacekeeping operations and democratic electoral processes in countries like
Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Mali (Usman, 2023). One of Buhari's notable achievements was
Nigeria’s pivotal role in resolving the 2016 political crisis in The Gambia. After President
Yahya Jammeh refused to concede defeat, Nigeria, under Buhari's leadership, played a critical
role in ECOWAS' peaceful transition efforts, which led to Jammeh stepping down (Human
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Rights Watch, 2017). This diplomatic success solidified Nigeria’s reputation as a stabilizing
force in West Africa (Akinyemi, 2017).
Challenges
Despite Nigeria’s financial and political dominance within ECOWAS, the organization faced
several challenges during Buhari’s administration. One key issue was the irregular payment of
dues by member states, which affected the bloc’s ability to function efficiently. Côte d'Ivoire,
Cape Verde, and Senegal were among the major defaulters (De Souza, 2015), placing more
financial pressure on Nigeria to sustain ECOWAS’ operations.
In addition to financial issues, Buhari's administration also faced the resurgence of military
coups in the region, including Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These coups posed a significant
threat to the region’s stability, challenging ECOWAS’ ability to enforce democratic
governance (Agency Report, 2021). While Nigeria condemned these coups and supported
ECOWAS sanctions, the political crises persisted, reflecting the limitations of Nigeria's
influence in fully stabilizing the region.
Domestically, Buhari's administration was also grappling with insurgency and banditry, which
diverted attention and resources that could have further strengthened Nigeria's leadership
within ECOWAS. The Boko Haram insurgency and internal security threats hampered the
country’s ability to focus on regional issues comprehensively (Agency Report, 2022).
Implications for Regional Stability
Nigeria’s influence within ECOWAS has had lasting implications for regional stability. Its
leadership in peacekeeping and conflict resolution has been vital in preventing the escalation
of conflicts in West Africa. Nigeria’s financial contributions have kept ECOWAS operational,
allowing the organization to intervene in crises and support democratic transitions, as seen in
The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau (Dabo, 2022).
However, the resurgence of military coups in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso,
despite Nigeria’s efforts to uphold democratic principles, highlights the persistent fragility of
governance in the region. These events suggest that while Nigeria's leadership within
ECOWAS has been crucial, it alone cannot fully resolve the deep-rooted political and security
challenges facing West Africa. The continuation of Buhari’s diplomatic efforts and Nigeria’s
financial support to ECOWAS will be essential for maintaining regional stability in the future.
Nonetheless, the internal socio-economic and security challenges Nigeria faces may impact its
ability to sustain this level of involvement (Agency Report, 2022).
Findings and Discussion
The results derived from this study reveal that the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari in
Nigeria, which spanned from the year 2015 to 2023, significantly influenced the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a notably positive manner. During this
specific timeframe, Nigeria's leadership role, along with its considerable financial
contributions, played a crucial part in establishing the nation as the foremost contributor to the
ECOWAS budget. This remarkable financial backing not only underscored Nigeria’s
unwavering commitment to fostering the development, stability, and overall success of the
organization but also highlightedits pivotal role in shaping regional policies(Akinyemi, 2017).
The administration under Buhari was instrumental in advancing regional peace and security,
particularly evidenced by its decisive intervention during the tumultuous presidential election
crisis in the Gambia that occurred in 2016. Nigeria’s proactive stance in restoring democratic
governance in the Gambia, particularly after the then-incumbent Yahya Jammeh refused to
acknowledge the electoral victory of Adama Barrow, significantly elevated Nigeria’s prestige
on the international stage. This resonates with the conclusions drawn by Sesay (2020) that the
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intervention in The Gambia not only showcased Nigeria's commitment to the principles of
democratic governance in West Africa but also reinforced its esteemed position within the
Economic Community of West African States, thereby solidifying its reputation as the "big
brother" of West Africa, a status that exemplifies the ideals of regional leadership and unity.
Moreover, Buhari’s administration took a strong stand against the alarming resurgence of
military coups that were witnessed in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, aligning its actions with
the ECOWAS protocol focused on democracy and good governance. By vocally condemning
these unconstitutional power grabs, Nigeria reaffirmed its longstanding reputation as a staunch
advocate for democratic principles, thereby contributing to the overall stability and security of
the region. The findings of this study lend support to Unya's assertion from 2022, which posits
that Nigeria's involvement in West Africa has generally been beneficial, especially in terms of
peace-building initiatives and the promotion of civilian rule, which are vital for the region's
progress.
Furthermore, the analysis resonates with the conclusions drawn by Ibrahim and Ahmad (2020),
which assert that Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly its distinctly pro-African approach, was
central to shaping Buhari’s contributions to various regional activities. Nigeria's
substantialmilitary capabilities, combined with its wealth of natural resources most notably oil
provided a robust foundation that empowered the nation’s leadership position within the
ECOWAS framework. Additionally, the hierarchical structure of Nigeria's government greatly
facilitated Buhari’s efforts across security, economic, and political initiatives, thus enabling the
country to effectively spearhead regional endeavors aimed at promoting good governance and
democratic practices.
However, the study identifies numerous challenges that Nigeria encountered during Buhari’s
administration. Alongside the internal socio-economic difficulties plaguing the country, the
persistent threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgency and rampant banditry were significant
hurdles. Furthermore, Buhari grappled with the troubling reality of certain ECOWAS member
nations failing to consistently fulfill their financial obligations to the organization. This lack of
financial commitment from some member states, in conjunction with the mismanagement of
resources within ECOWAS, presented considerable obstacles to the organization’s operational
effectiveness and its overall capacity to achieve its stated objectives. Despite Buhari’s resolute
stance against military coups, it ultimately proved inadequate in addressing some of the more
profound political crises that plagued the region during his tenure.
Conclusion
This study has assessed Nigeria's role in ECOWAS under President Buhari's administration,
highlighting its contributions to regional stability, peace, and democracy. Buhari’s foreign
policy, like that of his predecessors, was shaped by a clear sense of Nigeria’s national interests
and its responsibility as a leading actor within ECOWAS. Nigeria’s leadership was evident in
decisive actions such as the peaceful resolution of The Gambia’s political crisis and its active
involvement in regional peacekeeping and peace enforcement efforts. These contributions not
only enhanced
Nigeria’s prestige on the international stage but also reinforced its influence within ECOWAS.
The lasting implications of Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS are complex. Nigeria's
commitment to peacekeeping missions and democratic governance has been pivotal for
regional stability. However, the resurgence of military coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina
Faso, along with persistent security threats like Boko Haram, has highlighted the limitations of
Nigeria’s ability to single-handedly maintain stability across West Africa. These challenges
underscore the need for a more robust and collective approach among ECOWAS member states
to address shared security threats.
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Looking ahead, the sustainability of Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS will depend on its
ability to address domestic challenges while fostering deeper cooperation among member
states. For long-term regional stability and integration, it is essential to strengthen democratic
institutions, promote good governance, and adopt a concerted, multilateral approach to tackling
transnational threats. Nigeria’s future role in ECOWAS will be pivotal in shaping the region's
stability and prosperity, requiring both internal resilience and collaborative regional strategies.
Recommendations
Based on the study’s findings, the following recommendations are proposed for Nigeria to
strengthen its leadership role within ECOWAS and enhance regional stability:
(i)Nigeria should prioritize resolving its internal socio-economic issues and security
challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency and banditry. By improving domestic
stability, Nigeria will be better positioned to sustain its leadership role in ECOWAS and
effectively contribute to regional stability.
(ii)Nigeria should actively collaborate with other ECOWAS countries on security and
economic matters. Strengthening partnerships and joint efforts will help address shared
challenges, enhanceregional security, and promote economic integration, thereby bolstering
the collective efficacy of ECOWAS.
(iii)Nigeria should advocate for and support the promotion of good governance and
accountability within the ECOWAS framework. By working to ensure that member states
adhere to democratic principles and anti-corruption measures, Nigeria can help prevent the
recurrence of military coups and foster a more stable and integrated West African region
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