High-Level Defence Summit Underway in Abuja as ECOWAS Chiefs Convene

A crucial gathering of West Africa’s top military brass is currently underway at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting, chaired by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brings together the Chiefs of Defence Staff from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.

Prominent dignitaries in attendance include Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, as well as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan, and his counterpart in the House Committee of Defence. The National Security Adviser is also represented at the high-level summit.

Notably, the meeting has drawn participation from all ECOWAS member states except Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The absence of these countries is likely a reflection of the current political and security challenges facing the region.

General Musa, who also serves as the chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, is leading the discussions focused on enhancing regional security cooperation and addressing the myriad challenges confronting West Africa.