Tinubu urges swift activation of ECOWAS Standby Force amid rising insecurity

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has raised concern over delays in activating the ECOWAS Standby Force, urging West African leaders to urgently transform the concept into an operational security response against terrorism and transnational crime in the region.

Speaking on Saturday at the opening of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu expressed worry that the process was moving slower than expected despite escalating security threats across West Africa.

“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired,” he said.

The President stressed that the complex and evolving nature of regional security challenges—often driven by criminal and terrorist networks—demands greater cooperation among member states.

“No single nation can address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to secure the region,” he added.

Tinubu highlighted progress made under his leadership as ECOWAS Chairman, including the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, which is expected to support deployed regional forces and complement Nigeria’s commitments under the African Union.

He also expressed optimism that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—countries that recently distanced themselves from ECOWAS—would eventually return through continued diplomatic engagement.

“Under my chairmanship, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family,” Tinubu said.