Nigeria has settled its outstanding debt of ₦85 billion to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This was revealed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the commencement of the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, has paid off its taxes since 2023, despite the community’s member nations’ tardy reaction.
Nigeria will pay the full amount of its ECOWAS fee for the first time in 19 years, according to Touray.
In addition, the President of ECOWAS praised President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria for consistently assisting the regional organisation in its endeavours.
Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s outgoing president, who will step down on January 7, 2025, was also honoured for his services.
“It is necessary to reverse this. The good news is that starting in 2023, Nigeria has agreed to pay its community levy in full for the first time in 19 years. It is with great pleasure that I declare that Nigeria paid N85 billion and 54 million on Friday, December 13th, which is equivalent to 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy through July 2024.
“We all concur that this payment demonstrates President Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the dedication of the Nigerian government, people, and community.
“On a more intimate level, it is a testament to the management that I have had the honour of overseeing since 2022. I appreciate your time and care, and my colleague and I are very appreciative,” Touray said.
In his welcome speech, Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria and chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, urged ECOWAS member states to work together to safeguard their citizens and create an environment that allows them to prosper.
According to him, it is the responsibility of the people to improve their standard of living.
Tinubu stated that the several ECOWAS policies had strengthened economic cooperation. He praised Senegal’s successful parliamentary election and Ghana’s successful presidential election.
The leader of Nigeria asked the nations in the area to take note of the examples.
President Tinubu, who referred to President Akufo-Addo as “Mr Democrat,” praised his Ghanaian counterpart for his unselfish leadership and for letting the people’s will triumph.
This is Akufo-Addo’s final appearance as Ghana’s president at the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
