The announcement was made by Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Dr. Touray characterized the payment, finalized on Friday, December 13, 2024, as a significant milestone in Nigeria's dedication to regional integration and development.
"For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100 percent of its community levy, which includes contributions for 2023 and extends to July 2024. The total payment is ₦84 billion and $54 million. This reflects the leadership and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his government, and the Nigerian people to the ECOWAS community," stated Dr. Touray.
He attributed this achievement to President Tinubu's leadership, emphasizing that his administration has prioritized meeting Nigeria's obligations to the regional organization. Dr. Touray also noted that this payment signifies confidence in ECOWAS's vision and the ongoing reforms initiated under his leadership since 2022.
"This payment represents a vote of confidence in ECOWAS, which I have had the honor to lead since 2022. My colleagues and I are profoundly appreciative of Nigeria's unwavering support," he remarked.
As the largest economy and a founding member of ECOWAS, Nigeria plays a crucial role in the organization's efforts to promote economic integration, political stability, and regional security. By fulfilling its financial obligations, Nigeria reaffirms its leadership within the West African community and sets a positive example for other member states.
The payment highlights Nigeria's dedication to enhancing regional cooperation and promoting the collective objectives of ECOWAS for the advantage of all member countries.