Ministers of Defence and Finance from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are gathering in Abuja to discuss funding modalities for a regional counter-terrorism force.
The meeting underscores the urgent need to strengthen the operational capacity of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), with ministers emphasising that current resources remain insufficient to meet the region’s pressing security requirements.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that “West Africa, particularly the Sahel sub-region, has emerged as the global epicentre of terrorism, with surveys showing that the Sahel accounted for 51% of global terrorism deaths in 2024”. The planned counter-terrorism brigade aims to complement the existing 5,000-man ECOWAS Standby Force.
Nigerian Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar emphasised the need for collective commitment to address terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian challenges threatening the region’s unity and stability.
“We must work together with determination and unity of purpose to achieve a safer and more secure ECOWAS region,” he said. The meeting aims to provide actionable recommendations for financing and equipping the ECOWAS counter-terrorism forces.
The proposed annual budget for the force is substantial, with estimates ranging from $481 million for a 1,650-strong brigade to $2.6 billion for a 5,000-strong force. ECOWAS leaders are urging member states to provide resources to the standby force, with President Bola Tinubu calling for commitment and funding towards the regional standby force. “A peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential,” Touray emphasized.