BREAKING: Nigeria fully pays ECOWAS community levy
By Kunle Sanni
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, says Nigeria has fulfilled its community levy obligations in full for the first time in nearly two decades.
Speaking on Sunday at the 66th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held at the State House, Touray disclosed that Nigeria paid $54million levy, N85bn debt, covering 100 percent of its 2023 community levy obligations and advancing its contribution for 2024 up to July.
He said the payment was made 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,” Dr. Touray stated. “At a more personal level, it reflects a mark of confidence in the ECOWAS that I have been privileged to lead since 2022. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful.”
The ECOWAS community levy, a key financial mechanism, funds regional projects, operations, and interventions in areas such as security, trade, and integration.
Diplomats have described Nigeria’s decision to clear its dues as to demonstrate a renewed commitment to regional solidarity and leadership, particularly at a time when ECOWAS faces challenges ranging from political instability to economic recovery.
Dr Touray emphasized that the move represents a significant moment in ECOWAS history. “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has fully paid its community levy. It is a moment of pride for the entire ECOWAS community,” he said.
Westernpost online reports that President Tinubu is chairing the 66th Ordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the State House, Abuja.
The ongoing session is expected to focus on advancing regional economic integration and ensuring institutional stability, among other issues.
Participating countries include Benin Republic, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
