Nigeria has secured a historic position in the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with Anthony Oluwatosin Ogunjimi becoming the first Nigerian to serve as vice-president of the regional commission.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s representation within the West African regional bloc, which works to promote economic integration, peace, security and cooperation among member states.
Ogunjimi assumed office on 1 September 2026 for a four-year term, succeeding Togo’s Damtien Tchintchibidja. He will serve alongside Senegal’s Birame Diop, who took over as president of the ECOWAS Commission.
The transition was formalised during a ceremony at the commission’s new headquarters in Abuja on 31 August, marking the end of the previous leadership’s four-year tenure. [ECOWAS]
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, represented the Federal Government at the ceremony and called on the new leadership to prioritise the effective implementation of regional programmes and projects that deliver measurable and sustainable benefits to citizens.
The vice-president’s responsibilities include supporting the commission’s president, coordinating key programmes and overseeing aspects of the institution’s administrative and technical operations.
Ogunjimi brings more than two decades of experience in international public service, diplomacy, regional integration, peacebuilding and socio-economic development to the role.
His emergence comes at a critical time for West Africa, as the regional organisation continues to confront political instability, security concerns and economic challenges requiring stronger cooperation among member states.
Nigeria’s new role in the commission’s leadership is expected to strengthen its participation in regional decision-making and efforts to advance integration across West Africa.
