ECOWAS Deepens Regional and Diplomatic Engagement as Touray Receives New Envoys, Honours Outgoing Nigerian Representative. By Raymond Enoch
In a renewed push to consolidate regional cooperation and diplomatic goodwill, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, held a series of high-level engagements with key diplomatic figures at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meetings underscored ECOWAS’ continued commitment to constructive dialogue, institutional continuity, and strengthened relations with Member States and international partners at a time when the West African sub-region faces evolving political, economic, and security dynamics.
A major highlight of the day was the formal presentation of credentials by Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, who assumes office as the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ECOWAS. In welcoming the envoy, President Touray reaffirmed the strategic importance of Nigeria’s leadership role within the Community and expressed confidence that the new representative would further advance collective regional priorities, including integration, peacebuilding, and economic development.
President Touray also received H.E. Mohamed Alkhairy Algedail Arbab, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Republic of Sudan, in an engagement that reflected ECOWAS’ broader diplomatic outreach beyond the sub-region. Discussions during the audience focused on mutual cooperation, regional stability, and shared continental interests, highlighting ECOWAS’ growing profile as a platform for dialogue and partnership in Africa.
In a moment of reflection and appreciation, the ECOWAS Commission President granted a farewell audience to H.E. Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Nigeria’s outgoing Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, who is concluding his tour of duty. President Touray commended Ambassador Nuhu for his steadfast commitment to the ideals of ECOWAS and his contributions to advancing regional integration and institutional effectiveness.
As a mark of recognition, Ambassador Nuhu was presented with an award by the Commission President, symbolizing the Community’s gratitude for his dedicated service and constructive engagement during his tenure.
The series of diplomatic audiences reinforces ECOWAS’ resolve to strengthen internal cohesion, sustain productive diplomatic relations, and recognize excellence in service, even as the Community navigates complex regional challenges and opportunities in its pursuit of a more integrated and resilient West Africa.
