Closed-door talks in Abuja signal Nigeria’s continued engagement as ECOWAS prepares for leadership transition

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the outgoing President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, at the State House in Abuja, ahead of the conclusion of his tenure.

Touray, accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, held a closed-door meeting with the President. Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, the visit comes just weeks before he formally hands over leadership of the Commission.

The Gambian diplomat assumed office on July 3, 2022, after being unanimously nominated by the Government of The Gambia and endorsed by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. His four-year tenure runs from 2022 to 2026. He succeeded Jean-Claude Kassi Brou of Côte d’Ivoire.

Before leading the ECOWAS Commission, Touray served as The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs under former President Yahya Jammeh. He also worked with the Islamic Development Bank following his time in government.

The meeting underscores Nigeria’s continued engagement with ECOWAS leadership as the regional bloc navigates political, security and economic challenges across West Africa, while preparing for a transition in its top executive office.