The 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government which ended on Sunday focused on pivotal regional issues.

Key discussions centered around the economic outlook for 2024, with projected growth at 4.3%, despite global geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. Leaders reiterated the importance of fiscal consolidation and sound public finance management to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

The summit also addressed the pressing food security crisis, instructing the ECOWAS Commission to take necessary measures to support vulnerable populations and calling for collaborative efforts from technical and financial partners to combat food insecurity and malnutrition.

Transport infrastructure was another critical topic, with directives issued to mitigate road damage caused by overloading and to implement the new Road Safety Policy aimed at reducing fatalities by 50% by 2030. The high cost of air travel within the ECOWAS region was also noted, with a push for policies to reduce costs and boost tourism, trade, and free movement.

In the realm of peace and security, the summit commended Sierra Leone for its national unity efforts and confirmed the planned deployment of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission. A robust commitment to counter-terrorism was underscored, with proposals for a regional force and enhanced collaboration with sub-regional initiatives.

H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was re-elected as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, receiving accolades for his leadership.