Leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Abuja for the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the host. The summit, held at the Conference Centre of the State House, brought together heads of state and government, senior officials, and key stakeholders to address mounting political, security, and economic pressures across the West African sub-region. The primary agenda focused on reinforcing regional unity, strengthening democratic governance, and deepening economic integration among member states amidst significant challenges.

The session addressed pressing issues such as incessant coups, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration. President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Shettima, emphasized the necessity for a united front, stating that these threats transcend national borders and require collective action. He underscored Nigeria's unwavering commitment to ECOWAS ideals, asserting that the bloc's unity is foundational, not transactional, and that fraternity, not force, should define its future. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and President of Sierra Leone, highlighted that instability in one nation impacts all, commending Nigeria's swift response to regional security threats.

A critical outcome of the summit was the agreement to forge a united front against military coups and the spread of terrorism and other forms of insecurity. The bloc resolved to transition from reactive sanctions to more proactive military and diplomatic interventions. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, outlined significant resolutions on regional security, democratic governance, and institutional leadership. The Authority noted the region's relative stability and resilience, applauding recent presidential and general elections in Guinea-Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire, and preparations for upcoming polls in Benin. Progress in Sierra Leone with the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity was also acknowledged.

However, the leaders expressed grave concern over statements from former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, warning that such pronouncements from exile violated his asylum conditions and threatened regional peace. ECOWAS reiterated that a joint declaration for Jammeh's departure did not absolve him of accountability for alleged human rights violations committed during his rule. The Authority further condemned democratic setbacks, including an attempted coup in Benin Republic and a coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing the latter as a subversion of the electorate's will. The swift intervention of the ECOWAS Standby Force, collaborating with national forces from Benin, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, was applauded as a demonstration of regional solidarity.

In response to these security concerns, the Authority authorized the ECOWAS military mission in Guinea-Bissau to protect political leaders and national institutions, mandated the Chair of the Authority to lead a new high-level mission to Bissau, and directed the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to engage military authorities. It was made clear that failure to comply with these decisions would result in targeted sanctions against individuals or groups obstructing the return to constitutional order. ECOWAS called upon the African Union and international partners for support in these efforts.

Beyond security, the summit also addressed institutional restructuring and economic integration. Senegal was designated to assume the Presidency of the ECOWAS Commission, with Nigeria as Vice President. Other statutory portfolios were allocated: Sierra Leone (Political Affairs, Peace and Security), Liberia (Economic Affairs and Agriculture), Côte d’Ivoire (Internal Services), Ghana (Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation), and Benin (Human Development and Social Affairs). Ghana's candidature for Chairperson of the African Union in 2027 was endorsed, and Liberia is slated to assume the ECOWAS Commission Presidency between 2030 and 2034, contingent on meeting specific criteria.

In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, ECOWAS announced a landmark policy from January 2026 to reduce air travel costs across West Africa by abolishing air transport taxes. Furthermore, Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, accepted the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, aiming to strengthen dialogue between governments and the private sector to foster regional development. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, represented by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, emphasized the session's importance in deepening coordination for democracy and stability, reiterating the AU's stance that unconstitutional changes of government are unacceptable.