Nigeria has paid N85 billion and $54 million, fulfilling its part of the 2023/2024 levy imposed on member states by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
This was disclosed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, during his opening address at the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja.
Dr. Touray noted that the payment represents 100% of the 2023 levy and covers Nigeria’s contributions up to July 2024. He confirmed that the funds were remitted on Friday, December 13, 2024.
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“Our community levy remittances continue to be slow, and a number of countries have fallen behind in their commitments,” Touray said. “The good news is that for the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has decided to pay 100% of its community levy up to 2023.
The payment of N85 billion and $54 million underscores the leadership and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community.”
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He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and acknowledged the confidence the payment reflects in the leadership of ECOWAS.
“At a more personal level, it underscores a mark of confidence in the ECOWAS that I have been privileged to lead since 2022. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful,” he said.
Speaking at the summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted the importance of unity among member states. He reaffirmed ECOWAS’s founding vision of creating a community that serves its citizens.
“The world is confronted with challenges ranging from crises in Sudan and the Middle East to violent extremism and environmental challenges.
Many of these issues have impacted our region, underscoring the necessity of working together,” Tinubu said.
Details to follow…
