ECOWAS ministers meet in Abuja to advance funding modalities for regional counter-terrorism force

Ministers of Defence and Finance from ECOWAS Member States convened at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, on Friday, 29 August 2025 for a high-level ministerial meeting to review the report of the Experts’ Meeting on funding modalities to operationalize a regional force dedicated to combating terrorism in West Africa.

The meeting underscored the urgent need to strengthen the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), with Ministers emphasizing that current resources remain insufficient to meet the region’s pressing security requirements.

In their deliberations, the Ministers reaffirmed ECOWAS’ pivotal role as a Regional Economic Community (REC) in peacebuilding, conflict management, and democratic governance. They reiterated the Community’s commitment to collective security as a foundation for regional stability, prosperity, and deeper integration.

This meeting holds particular significance as ECOWAS marks its 50th Anniversary under the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future.” The milestone highlights the Community’s resilience, unity, and determination to build a safer and more responsive ECOWAS for future generations.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Nigerian Minister of Defence, Honorable Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Mr. Stanley George, Director of International Economic Relations, commended Member States for their steadfast commitment to eliminating terrorism in the region.

He noted that West Africa continues to face complex and evolving threats—including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and unconstitutional changes of government. “These challenges not only jeopardize our collective peace and security but also endanger the economic stability and democratic aspirations of our people,” he emphasized.

He further noted that the establishment of a regional counter-terrorism force is a decisive step in safeguarding sovereignty, protecting lives and livelihoods, and upholding constitutional order across the ECOWAS region.

ECOWAS Commission’s President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, reaffirmed the ECOWAS’ unwavering commitment to protect citizens against terrorism. He noted that the activities of extremist groups pose grave risks not only to security, but also to trade, investment, and regional integration. “Terrorism in whatever form remains a major threat to our integration efforts and to the socio-economic development of our community” he emphasized.

Chairing the session, the Minister of Defence for Sierra Leone Col. Brima Muana Massaquo (rtd) stressed the urgent need to counter the growing threat of terrorism, which transcends borders, nationalities, and religions. He called for enhanced regional coordination, stronger partnerships with international stakeholders, and innovative approaches, including potential Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), to sustainably address the financing of counter-terrorism operations.

The meeting reviewed the progress made since the June 27, 2024 Extraordinary Summit in Abuja, where ECOWAS leaders mandated the Commission to explore options for activating a regional counter-terrorism standby force. Two deployment models were considered:

• A 5,000-strong brigade, estimated to cost US$ 2.61 billion in its first year.
• A phased 1,650-strong brigade, with an initial cost of US$ 481.5 million, as a gradual approach towards the Standby force.

An impact assessment conducted by a team of consultants on the implications of increasing the Community Levy to finance the force was also presented. The findings are expected to guide Ministers in making informed decisions on the most viable and cost-effective approach.

As the meeting concluded, Ministers of Finance and Defence reaffirmed that the decisions taken will balance the urgent imperatives of regional security with the sustainability of financing mechanisms, ensuring that ECOWAS remains equipped to respond effectively to present and future threats.