The Nigerian government has made a significant payment of ₦85 billion (approximately $54 million) to the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, as its community levy.
This payment, confirmed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, covers Nigeria’s levy obligations from January 2023 to July 2024.
Touray praised Nigeria for paying 100% of its community levy for the first time in 19 years, citing it as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and dedication to the ECOWAS community.
However, Touray also expressed concern over the slow remittance of community levies by other member states, emphasizing the need to reverse this trend to ensure financial stability.
The payment was announced during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, convened by President Tinubu in Abuja.
The meeting brings together 12 presidents to discuss pressing regional issues, including regional security, economic integration, and the implementation of the proposed single currency, the ECO.
Cyber Reporters reports that regional security is a major concern, with the rise of terrorism in the Sahel and political instability in member states.
The meeting will also evaluate the organization’s sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024.
The leaders will equally assess progress and timelines for nations under military governance, with a focus on expediting transitions to civilian rule.
