Nigeria clears N85bn, $54m ECOWAS community levy in 19 years

The Federal Government of Nigeria has paid the ECOWAS community levy of N85 billion and $54 million representing 2023 and up to July 2024.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, disclosed this during the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

Touray said: “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria decided to pay 100 per cent of its community levy up to 2023.

“The money was paid on Friday, December 13, 2024. This payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community.

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“At a more personal level, it underscores a mark of confidence in the ECOWAS that I have been privileged to lead since 2022.

“My colleagues and I are deeply grateful.”

Speaking, Tinubu said the commission’s strength was in the unity of members and ECOWAS was born out of a shared vision to create a community for citizens.

Tinubu said: “The world is confronted with challenges raging from crisis, from Sudan, Middle East, and violent extremism and environmental challenges.

“Many of the challenges have impacted our region and the reality underscores the reality of working together.”

The Star