ECOWAS Leadership: Tinubu hands over power as Bio takes the helm

June 23, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has assumed the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.

The handover ceremony marked the end of Tinubu’s two-year tenure as ECOWAS chairman.

As the new chairman, President Bio inherits the task of navigating the region, his leadership will be crucial in addressing these challenges and promoting regional integration and cooperation.

The transition comes after the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, which was preceded by the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja.

The summit, hosted by President Tinubu, aimed to deepen regional economic integration and enhance trade and investment cooperation across the subregion.

The summit brought together presidents, ministers, and top officials from various regional institutions to discuss ways to accelerate West Africa’s integration agenda and promote sustainable peace, security, and prosperity.

President Bio emphasized the need for decisive actions to accelerate regional integration programs vital for economic growth and shared prosperity.

With President Bio at the helm, ECOWAS is expected to continue its efforts to promote regional integration and cooperation.