94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Ends in Abuja, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Ends Tenure, Says Commission is on Track.
By Raymond Enoch
The 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers concluded in Abuja with a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and regional commitment, as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, formally brought his tenure as Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers to a close.
Hosted in Nigeria’s capital from June 19 to 20, 2025, the high-level ministerial gathering brought together foreign ministers, ambassadors, commissioners, and senior delegates from across ECOWAS Member States. Participants reviewed critical issues ranging from peace and security to economic integration, institutional reforms, and regional development projects.
As Chair of the Council for the past two years, Ambassador Tuggar’s tenure was marked by consensus-building diplomacy and institutional steadiness, navigating the regional body through a complex landscape of political instability, economic recovery, and the ongoing challenges of democratic governance in several Member States.
Delivering his valedictory address during the closing session, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the collective responsibility shared by Member States to maintain the momentum of regional integration, praising the ECOWAS Commission and all stakeholders for their role in moving the bloc forward.
“Our discussions have clearly demonstrated a collective resolve to address the pressing challenges confronting our region, challenges that bear direct impact on the wellbeing of our citizens and long-term prosperity of our Member States,” Tuggar said. “Through our continued collaboration and shared commitment, we have set a clear and promising course towards a more unified and prosperous region.”
Quoting African scholars who described Regional Economic Communities as the “uncelebrated heroes” of African trade and development, Tuggar confidently asserted that “ECOWAS is the first among equals.”
Tuggar went on to commend the ECOWAS Commission for its dedication in preparing comprehensive working documents that guided the Council’s deliberations. He expressed particular gratitude to the Nigerian Local Organizing Committee for facilitating seamless logistics and ensuring the comfort of delegates throughout the session.
He also paid tribute to the interpreters, “whose skills have ensured effective communication throughout our discussions,” noting their vital role in maintaining the efficiency and inclusivity of the proceedings.
In a moment marked by both humility and statesmanship, Ambassador Tuggar acknowledged the end of his tenure as Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, reflecting on a period characterized by cooperation and mutual respect among Member States.
“I sincerely appreciate each one of you for your cooperation and support to me over the last two years as Chair of this Council,” he remarked. “I hope the same cooperation will be extended to whomever among us is taking over the leadership of this Council.”
Though the identity of his successor was not formally announced during the session, Tuggar alluded to the forthcoming election of a new Chair by the Authority of Heads of State and Government as indicated in the summit agenda.
As ECOWAS continues to grapple with security threats, unconstitutional changes of government, and the socio-economic challenges posed by global headwinds, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles, promoting good governance, and enhancing regional trade and integration.
Tuggar’s parting message was a call to action: “It remains essential that we encourage our respective Governments to faithfully implement the decisions we have adopted… pending the approval of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on matters that require such.”
He urged Member States to remain steadfast in their pursuit of a strong, cohesive West Africa, underscoring the vital role of ECOWAS as a pillar for regional stability and prosperity.
The 94th Session closed on a note of optimism and solemn commitment, with Ambassador Tuggar declaring:
“It is my honour to declare the 94th Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers officially closed.”
As delegates prepare to return to their respective countries, the outcomes of this session are expected to shape the discourse and decisions at the upcoming ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government. Tuggar, who has now passed the leadership baton, exits with an enduring legacy of consensus, stability, and clear-eyed regionalism.
His tenure will be remembered for emphasizing ECOWAS’s role not merely as a political institution, but as an active and evolving mechanism for peace, progress, and economic dynamism in West Africa.
