As Liberia Reaffirms Regional Commitment President Boakai Arrives in Lagos for ECOWAS 50th Anniversary

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has departed Liberia for Lagos, Nigeria, to participate in the Golden Jubilee Commemoration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking 50 years of regional solidarity and cooperation.

The commemorative ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and will bring together regional leaders, Heads of State, and dignitaries to celebrate five decades of progress toward West African integration, economic development, and peace-building under the ECOWAS framework.

President Boakai and his delegation arrived in Lagos ahead of the anniversary and are expected to participate in a slate of high-level commemorative events, which include a Round Table Conference on regional development, a symbolic re-enactment at the historic National Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) where the initial ECOWAS discussions were held in 1975 and the signing of a special ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Declaration.

The NIIA event will serve as a tribute to the foundational visionaries of ECOWAS and a recommitment to the ideals of regional unity, economic integration, and collective peace.

Heads of State will also sign a commemorative card and issue a collective statement reaffirming their countries' dedication to the ECOWAS mission.

At the main anniversary ceremony at EKO Hotel in Lagos, leaders are expected to reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and future aspirations of ECOWAS as it navigates the evolving landscape of security threats, climate change, trade, and regional migration.

According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai’s attendance reflects Liberia’s steadfast commitment to the ECOWAS vision and its belief in multilateralism, regional integration, and African solidarity as essential drivers of peace and development.

“The President’s presence at this milestone event is a reaffirmation of Liberia’s role in promoting peace, economic collaboration, and sustainable progress in the West African sub-region,” the Executive Mansion said in a statement.

Accompanying President Boakai are key members of his inner circle, including Hon. Deweh Gray, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn (Rtd.), Military Advisor to the President; and Atty. Samuel Koffi Woods II, National Security Advisor. Also accompanying him are members of his communications, protocol, and security teams.

In the President’s absence, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Sylvester Grigsby, will chair the Cabinet, in close consultation with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and President Boakai himself, who will remain accessible via telephone throughout the trip.

The ECOWAS 50th Anniversary commemoration is being hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which played a central role in ECOWAS’ founding and continues to be a strong force in its leadership. The event is viewed as both a celebration and a strategic planning platform for the region’s next phase of development.

As ECOWAS turns 50, it faces new challenges—including regional instability, military coups, and economic setbacks. However, the Lagos gathering aims to renew unity and chart a shared roadmap for stability, security, and inclusive growth across member states.

Liberia, a founding member of ECOWAS, has consistently advocated for peace and democracy in the region and has played roles in several regional peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts over the years.

President Boakai and his delegation are expected to return to Monrovia on Thursday, May 29, 2025, following the conclusion of the commemorative activities.

The ECOWAS Golden Jubilee stands as a pivotal moment not only in the history of West African diplomacy but also in Liberia’s foreign policy narrative, reaffirming its position as a regional team player dedicated to collaboration and progress.