The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday applauded Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing the security challenges that have bedeviled the sub-region for more than a decade.
Dr Omar Touray, President of the Commission applauded Nigeria in Abuja while delivering a message of goodwill at the maiden Annual International Public Lecture of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The theme of the lecture is: “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2014): Genesis, Impact, and Lessons for Nigeria.
While acknowledging the multilateral sub-regional efforts being made to curb the scourge of terrorism in West Africa, Touray tasked individual member states on taking full ownership of their national security responsibilities.
“This sub-regional resolve does not take away the responsibility bestowed on individual member states in taking full ownership of their national security responsibilities.
“Allow me to reiterate ECOWAS’ commitment to cooperating with the Federal Government of Nigeria in its leadership role toward addressing the threat of terrorism in our region.
“That is why we are very proud of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who also currently doubles as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“This is for the dogged efforts invested in over a decade, which has yielded visible results and reduced the effectiveness of Boko haram terrorists to mere rubbles and pockets of attacks.
“In this regard, we reiterate our appreciation to the leadership role Nigeria continues to play, not only in being at the forefront of the security landscape but also for providing a huge financial support in which the vehicle of the Commission rides on,” he said.
Touray, represented by Dr Isaac Armstrong from the Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, noted that terrorism was the major security threat faced by ECOWAS member states.
“Initially confined to certain countries in the Sahel (Mali and Niger) and the Lake Chad Basin (Nigeria), terrorist attacks have multiplied and spread to other countries (Burkina Faso) and are now a real threat to coastal countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo).
“Victims of insecurity – those killed, maimed, and displaced and those who have lost livelihoods and educational opportunities are many times subject of conflicting figures.
“Yet all the figures are indicative of the pain and suffering that insecurity continues to inflict on the people, particularly in the Sahelian member states of ECOWAS,” he said.
The commission’s president said that in view of escalating violent extremism and terrorism, ECOWAS leaders were working on setting up a 5000-man ECOWAS standby force to fight against terrorism.
