In a significant move to bolster the fight against terrorism in West Africa, Nigeria has officially designated its Counter-terrorism Centre as a regional hub.Â
This strategic decision aims to extend the benefits of capacity building and other related opportunities to all member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, made this announcement during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the authority, on Sunday.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of this regional centre, urging all member states to take full advantage of the resources and training available.
He highlighted the significant financial resources required to effectively combat terrorism and address security challenges across the sub-region.
The establishment of the centre as a regional hub is seen as a crucial step in consolidating efforts and sharing resources to enhance the overall security framework within ECOWAS.
The 65th Ordinary Session began with discussions focused on the pressing issues of terrorism and insecurity that plague the region.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission underscored the severe risk of disintegration that the region faces, particularly in light of recent developments involving some member states.
The African Union has also expressed its disapproval of the decisions by three countries to withdraw from the regional body, further complicating the security landscape.
President Tinubu reiterated the critical role of adequate funding in sustaining and intensifying the fight against terrorism.
He called on member states to prioritize financial contributions and support for regional security initiatives.
Following the opening remarks and discussions, the meeting proceeded into a closed-door session.
The outcomes and decisions made during this session are expected to be communicated in an official communique, providing further details on the steps to be taken to address the security challenges in the region.
By designating the Nigerian Counter-terrorism Centre as a regional hub, Nigeria hopes to foster greater collaboration and resource-sharing among ECOWAS member states, ultimately strengthening the collective capacity to combat terrorism and enhance security throughout West Africa.
