President Bola Tinubu paid 85 billion naira to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), representing 100% payment of taxes owed by Nigeria. That translates to $54 million.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray said that while the community had suffered from the slow response of member states in paying their levies, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu, had paid its withdrawals from 2023 to date. According to Touray, this is the first time in 19 years that Nigeria will pay 100% of its tax to ECOWAS

The President of ECOWAS also praised the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria for always supporting the efforts of the regional body.

He also thanked the efforts of the outgoing President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who will leave office on January 7, 2025.

“We need to reverse this trend. The good news is that for the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has decided to pay 100% of its community tax starting in 2023. So I am happy to report that on Friday, December 13, Nigeria paid 85 billion naira and 54 million naira, which is 100% of the 2023 tax and the 2024 tax until July 2024

“We all agree that this payment highlights the leadership and commitment of President Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the Nigerian people to our community.

“On a more personal level, this represents a sign of confidence in the management that I have had the privilege of leading since 2022. My colleague and I are deeply grateful to you for this and thank you for your attention,” said Mr Touray

In his welcome speech, the President of the ECOWAS Assembly of Heads of State and Government and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, called for cooperation between ECOWAS member states to protect their citizens and create an environment conducive to their development.