ECOWAS Invests Over $1 Million in 2023 Nigerian Election, Says President

• ECOWAS allocates over $1 million to support Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, emphasizing its significant role in electoral processes
• Touray highlights ECOWAS’ involvement in elections across the region, including Nigeria, and its commitment to promoting democratic governance

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced on Wednesday that the regional organization had allocated over a million dollars to bolster the conduct of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

Speaking at the inaugural weekly press briefing of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Touray emphasized ECOWAS’ significant role as a partner to member states during elections, with an average expenditure of $1 million per election cycle.

“We provide direct support to election commissions, offer grants, and ensure that electoral processes are observed and certified,” Touray stated.

He highlighted ECOWAS’ involvement in various regional elections in the past year, including those in Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Touray outlined ECOWAS’ policy of granting each member state $500,000 to facilitate the electoral process. Additionally, the organization deploys observers and logistical support, collectively amounting to over $500,000 per election.

“In Nigeria, besides observing the national elections, INEC invited us to observe the state elections. Consequently, we expended over $1 million in supporting Nigeria during the 2023 general elections,” Touray explained.

Beyond electoral support, Touray underscored ECOWAS’ commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing regional maritime security. He highlighted the presence of stabilization forces in countries like the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, with preparations underway for a similar mission in Sierra Leone.

“These preventive deployments of regional stabilization forces are crucial for ensuring the security and well-being of citizens and fostering regional economic integration,” Touray remarked.

He concluded by emphasizing ECOWAS’ dedication to promoting democratic governance, asserting that only democratic governments can effectively uphold human liberty and dignity. ECOWAS remains steadfast in its mission to maintain peace and support member states where necessary.