Julius Maada Bio: Tinubu Hands Over ECOWAS Leadership to Sierra Leone's President

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has a new leadership and chairman
• Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio emerged as the new ECOWAS chairman on Sunday, June 22, 2025
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu handed over ECOWAS leadership to President Bio in Abuja, the Nigerian capital

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has emerged as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Bio succeeds Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the regional economic bloc for the past two years.

President Bola Tinubu handed over the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Bio on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Tinubu expressed confidence in the region's continued path toward peace, stability, and prosperity.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, made this known in a statement via his X handle @aonanuga1956 on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

The ECOWAS Authority's 67th Ordinary Session closed with the symbolic handover of the Emblem to the incoming Chair.

President Tinubu described it as a profound honour and privilege to have led the esteemed body, adding that he remained deeply humbled by the trust and support extended to him throughout his two-term tenure.

"As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

"I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,"

ECOWAS to launch regional single currency

Recall that ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch the single currency by 2027, adopting criteria for candidate member states during its 66th Ordinary Session.

The ECOWAS Commission and WAMA were tasked with implementing reforms, while member states must ensure financial contributions to support the ECO.

The ECO aims to cut trade costs, boost regional trade, and drive economic growth, with experts suggesting a phased implementation alongside national currencies.

ECOWAS at 50: Tinubu Makes One Major Request

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu made one major request from West African leaders as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Tinubu urged West African leaders to work in unity according to the vision of the ECOWAS founding fathers.

The Nigerian leader made the call in his address titled: ‘Let’s sustain the legacies of ECOWAS’s founding fathers'

Source: Legit.ng