President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Monday ahead of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 29.
The presidential aircraft touched down at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja at exactly 4:15 pm, where he was welcomed with full military honours by a delegation led by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with other senior officials and security personnel.
Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, will join other West African leaders, government officials, and dignitaries to mark five decades of regional cooperation, peacekeeping, and economic integration.
The celebration is expected to highlight the significant milestones ECOWAS has achieved over the years, as well as the challenges it faces in the current political climate.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address during the anniversary event. His speech will reflect on ECOWAS's progress under his leadership and outline a vision for the future of the regional bloc.
While in Lagos, Tinubu will also use the opportunity to commission a number of high-impact infrastructural projects initiated under his administration. Among these are the completion of Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road, which forms part of his government’s broader effort to revamp Nigeria’s transportation network and boost economic development.
On Saturday, the President will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House Mosque in Dodan Barracks, Ikoyi, alongside other Muslim faithful. He is expected to return to Abuja after the festivities to resume his official duties.
The 50th anniversary of ECOWAS is a significant moment for the regional body, especially as it navigates pressing issues such as political instability in member states, economic recovery, and regional security.
Tinubu’s role as ECOWAS Chair has been described as critical in steering the organization toward greater unity and impact in West Africa.