Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, have voiced optimism that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will eventually rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as diplomatic efforts to mend ties continue.
The remarks were made during an international conference titled “ECOWAS at 50”, held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos. The event, co-hosted by the NIIA and Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, brought together policymakers, diplomats, and scholars to reflect on the bloc’s achievements and challenges.
Gowon, one of ECOWAS’s founding fathers, described the departure of the three Sahel nations as unfortunate but not irreversible. He praised ECOWAS for keeping diplomatic channels open and maintaining its commitment to reconciliation.
“We thought the era of countries exiting ECOWAS was behind us. Sadly, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso chose to leave. But I have not given up hope,” he said. “The bloc may have lost three out of 15 members, but its foundation remains intact. With continued dialogue, I believe they will return.”
Gowon went as far as proposing a symbolic rebranding of the bloc to reflect broader regional inclusion: “If adding an ‘S’ to become ECOWASS Economic Community of West African States and Sahel—will encourage their return, then it should be considered.”
He underscored the importance of ECOWAS remaining focused on peace, security, and regional solidarity, noting that the door to re-entry remains open.
Prof. Akinyemi echoed Gowon’s sentiments, applauding Nigeria’s use of quiet diplomacy, particularly during a recent fuel crisis in Niger, where the Nigerian government reportedly delivered 300 tankers of fuel without fanfare.
“That act of solidarity sent a strong message,” Akinyemi said. “It demonstrated that Nigeria values its neighbors and is willing to help without humiliating them. That’s what opened the door to fresh engagement.”
He also pointed to a recent visit by Niger’s foreign minister to Nigeria as a signal that diplomatic ties are still active. “These countries are beginning to re-embrace the African tradition of resolving conflicts through dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity.”
German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner, also addressed the gathering, advising West African nations to avoid overdependence on external powers like Russia for peace and development. He urged ECOWAS to concentrate on fighting terrorism and boosting trade within the region.
Marija Peran, the Resident Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, called for deeper regional integration, especially in areas such as economic governance, security, and sustainable development. She expressed concern over ongoing threats like political instability and cross-border crime, which continue to hinder West Africa’s progress.
NIIA Director-General, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, expressed confidence in ECOWAS’s resilience and predicted that the organization would emerge stronger in the coming decade.
Other dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; 2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Foreign Minister Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.); Erelu Dosumu-Abiola; NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Abubakar Audi; and academics