BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau – After participating in the Paris summit on “A New Global Financing Pact,” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Bissau, the capital of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
Upon his arrival, President Tinubu visited the Nigerian contingent in the country under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force.
The 63rd Ordinary Session Summit, set to commence on July 9, 2023, will be President Tinubu’s first international engagement within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Regional leaders from 16 nations are anticipated to address a range of urgent sub-regional issues, including security challenges faced by member countries, the financial situation of ECOWAS, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The Summit is also expected to cover progress on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme and obstacles to free movement of goods on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
Speaking to the soldiers and their Commander, General Al-hassan Grema, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting democracy in West Africa and globally.
“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for the defense of constitutional order,” President Tinubu said.
In return, Brigadier-General Grema thanked President Tinubu for being the first Nigerian Commander-in-Chief to visit his soldiers stationed abroad.
In addition to attending the ECOWAS Summit, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and participate in other engagements on the sidelines of the Summit.
Accompanying the President on this trip are several dignitaries, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Acting Governor of the Central Bank Folashodun Shonubi, and various Permanent Secretaries.
Also on the entourage are former Governors Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), and Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina State.
