The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has triggered a major regional crisis and weakened key mechanisms for economic integration, Nigeria’s Presidency has said.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made the remarks on Thursday at a policy colloquium organised by the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
The three Sahelian countries formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025 after announcing their intention to leave the regional bloc in 2024. They have since strengthened their cooperation under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Mr Dare said the departure had disrupted important regional arrangements, particularly ECOWAS protocols designed to promote economic integration and the free movement of goods and services across West Africa.
“The rupture that came in 2025 when the countries pulled out of ECOWAS created a major regional crisis,” he said.
According to the presidential aide, the withdrawal also resulted in the emergence of AES as a rival regional framework, further complicating existing mechanisms for cooperation among West African states.
He stressed that the management of borders was central not only to trade and economic integration but also to regional security.
“Borders are critical,” Mr Dare said, while distinguishing between open borders and uncontrolled borders. He noted that immigration, customs and other security agencies remained responsible for regulating movement across Nigeria’s frontiers.
The comments come as West Africa continues to grapple with the security and political consequences of military takeovers and shifting alliances across the Sahel.
The three countries’ exit from ECOWAS followed prolonged tensions with the bloc after military governments seized power in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Their withdrawal has since raised concerns over the future of regional integration and cooperation.
Also speaking at the colloquium, Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the administration of President Tinubu remained committed to strengthening national security, protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and preserving democratic institutions.
The Presidency maintains that effective border management and stronger regional cooperation are essential to addressing the security and economic challenges facing West Africa.
