Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has issued a stark warning about the future of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stating that the regional body is crumbling due to failed leadership and governance issues.

Speaking at a high-profile event marking ECOWAS' 50th anniversary at Christ Church College, University of Oxford on May 9, 2025, Mohammed highlighted what he described as a "crisis of governance" affecting the regional bloc.

"The West African Community is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional accountability," he told an audience of scholars, diplomats, and policymakers. "These failures are not abstract; they impact people's lives every day."

The governor's comments align with concerns raised by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who delivered the keynote address at the same event. Obasanjo emphasized that ECOWAS faces significant challenges due to mistrust and inadequate cooperation among regional leaders.

Of particular concern is the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – nations currently under military rule that have distanced themselves from ECOWAS, further fracturing regional unity.

During his address, Mohammed pointed to reforms implemented in Bauchi State across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment as evidence that effective governance is achievable when leaders prioritize transparency and accountability.

The Oxford event brought together prominent figures to discuss critical issues affecting West Africa, including democratic governance, security challenges, and development priorities for the region.

According to a statement released by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed's participation in the event reflects his growing influence in regional affairs and his commitment to promoting unity and progress across West Africa.

The governor's warnings come at a critical time for ECOWAS as the regional body grapples with multiple challenges, including security threats, economic difficulties, and political instability in several member states.