…commit to free movement of people and goods
By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that without a secure and conducive environment, economic growth and development will continue to elude the west African sub-region.
The CDS made the statement at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The meeting brought together top defence chiefs from across West Africa, including The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo, Benin Republic, Cape Verde, and Côte d’Ivoire.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff who also doubles as the Chairman of ECOWAS Committee of CDS, said the meeting was an evidence of a shared commitment and dedication towards fostering secured West Africa.
Musa called on military chiefs to support political leadership by ensuring a secure environment for economic development to thrive.
“We must therefore support our political leadership by entrenching conducive and secure environment for economic development to thrive.
“Recognising that today’s threats are not only complex and adaptive, they pervade and in cases traverse countries in the subregion.
“We must therefore commend the foresight of our past leaders for setting up this platform to leverage for collective action against a common threat.
“The complexity of the security landscape demands that we leverage our collective expertise, and intelligence assets, and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges. The world has become a global village, and the gap between us is shrinking even more. Thus, collaboration is paramount and imperative to address both the root causes and symptoms of insecurity in our region.
“Some of the critical areas under discussion include the proposed review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force Counter Terrorist Brigade, and the rotation of staff officers of Peace Support Operations Divisions and the ECOWAS Standby Force, as well as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Others include the presentation of the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and the Standing Operating Procedures for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.” Gen Musa stated.
Further more, Gen. Musa revealed that the meeting’s agenda prioritizes key areas, notably the proposed review of commitments to the ECOWAS Standby Force, aiming to bolster regional security cooperation and collective efforts against insecurity.
He encouraged participating nations to engage in open and honest discussions, sharing their thoughts and ideas freely, to foster a safe, secure, and thriving West African Subregion.
“As we embark on today’s discussions, I must remind all that your insights and experiences are paramount to our collective mission, while our sincerity and constructive commitments are essential for productive deliberations.
“To this end, I encourage us to enthusiastically exchange ideas and strategies during this meeting for the benefit of all.” He said.
The Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru in his address, emphasized that the activation of the force highlights the united resolve of member countries to tackle the threat of terrorism, demonstrating their collective commitment to regional security.
“Central to our discussions in the coming days are pressing issues concerning the ECOWAS Standby Force, ECOWAS peace support operations, as well as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. I am confident that our deliberations will be marked by a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination as we work toward drafting a comprehensive strategy to address the security challenges in the subregion.
“By leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and commitment, we can make a tangible impact on fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the sub-region.
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub-region. This activation underscores our collective determination to confront the threat of terrorism and ensure the security of the subregion.
“With regard to security and ensuring the safety of our citizens, let me express my profound gratitude to each of you for your ongoing dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the security and well-being of our people. Let us approach our deliberations with a sense of purpose, unity, and resolve, knowing that we have the power to shape a more secure and prosperous future for our subregion.” He said.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, assured that despite the recent withdrawal of three African countries, ECOWAS will continue to uphold the free movement of people and goods for citizens of member states. This commitment is rooted in the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment, which aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among member states.
He also hinted that plans were in place to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
According to Abdel-Fatau “As you are aware, on January 29, 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew their membership from ECOWAS.
“Following the directives of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the last summit in December 2024, the ECOWAS Commission has now initiated a contingency plan to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of their withdrawal.
“Therefore, I call on you to critically examine the implications of their withdrawal on regional security in the course of your deliberations.
“I also wish to stress that ECOWAS still has its doors open to welcome back our brothers and sisters from the three countries that recently withdrew from our community.
“In this regard, the ECOWAS Committee of Heads of State has directed that, despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS must maintain the free movement of people and goods, as well as the right of settlement and establishment, for all citizens of our community, including those from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
“This aligns with ECOWAS’ vision of building a united community, ensuring that ordinary citizens of our member states do not suffer.” He said.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun in his goodwill message noted the critical roles the military plays in defending the territorial integrity, protection of its citizens and its contribution to National Peace and security.
“As the chief of police in Nigeria, we recognize the critical roles that our defense forces play in maintaining peace security and strategy of our region and this conference, no doubt, represents a technical opportunity for us to come together share experiences, to address the complex security challenges.
“As we gather here today, we do so in the spirit of cooperation and shared commitments to the peace and stability of our nation.” He said
Highlights of the event was the presentation of ICT equipments to the CDS and the presentation souvenirs to invited guests.
