General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, hosted the Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDSs) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at a dinner event held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Abuja. The event took place as part of the ongoing 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of CDSs.
In a statement issued by Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, General Musa welcomed the visiting defence chiefs, highlighting the significance of their gathering in promoting regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS community. He noted that the meeting had already seen productive discussions aimed at enhancing the security situation across the West African sub-region. The dinner, he explained, was designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere for further deliberations as the meeting approached its conclusion.
The event was graced by the presence of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who was the Special Guest of Honour. General Musa praised Dr. Matawalle as a distinguished leader with an unwavering commitment to the defence and security of Africa.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Matawalle acknowledged the security challenges facing the ECOWAS sub-region and underscored the importance of collective efforts by member states to find actionable solutions. He emphasized the need for unity and solidarity within the ECOWAS community to advance peace, stability, and security in West Africa. Dr. Matawalle also commended the ECOWAS Committee of CDSs for their pivotal role in promoting regional security and cooperation, particularly through ongoing peace operations and the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force in the fight against terrorism.
Lieutenant General Mahmat Cham, the Gambian CDS, expressed his gratitude to General Musa on behalf of his colleagues from Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Benin Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire. He described the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS CDSs in Nigeria as a memorable event, standing out among previous meetings he had attended. General Cham assured Nigeria of the Committee’s support in realizing the vision of a safe and secure West African community.
The dinner was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.A. Lagbaja, representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, and other senior officers. The evening featured cultural performances and the presentation of souvenirs to invited guests.
The 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of CDSs marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security and cooperation among West African nations.