The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced a five-day Governmental Experts Meeting in Abuja to validate the Logistics Concept and Depot Policies for the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).
The meeting, which runs from February 24 to 28, 2025, aims to enhance logistics coordination and deployment efficiency for regional peace support missions.
Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abedel-Fatau Musah, Dr Adamu Mohammed Sani, Acting Head of Peace Support Operations at ECOWAS, underscored the critical role of logistics in peacekeeping.
“The completion of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, is a major achievement, but it must be supported by clear and efficient policies to guide its day-to-day operations. A well-structured logistics system is the backbone of any successful peacekeeping effort,” Dr Sani stated.
Chairing the meeting, Air Commodore Sampson Eyekosi of Nigeria emphasised the need for a robust logistics framework, noting that effective coordination is essential to the credibility and success of ECOWAS peacekeeping missions.
“Ensuring that our logistics systems are responsive and well-coordinated is essential to the effectiveness of ECOWAS’ peacekeeping operations. This validation process will help us build a self-sufficient and swift response mechanism for regional crises,” he remarked.
Organised by the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division, the meeting brings together senior military officers, logistics specialists and policymakers from across West Africa, alongside independent experts. Their collective expertise will help shape logistics policies that align with international best practices while addressing West Africa’s specific security needs.
This initiative reinforces ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening regional security infrastructure and enhancing the operational readiness of its standby force. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring rapid and effective peace operations, contributing to a more stable and resilient West Africa.
