Civil Society Organisations have called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place inequality, insecurity, and climate justice at the centre of its regional integration agenda.

Representatives of Oxfam in Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) made the call on Tuesday during a meeting with ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray in Abuja.

Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina, warned that inequality in West Africa has reached crisis levels and has outpaced disparities in other parts of Africa.

He said the situation has become a fundamental threat to stability, peace, and inclusive development across the sub-region.Makina stressed that inequality is not an abstract concept but a lived reality, particularly for rural dwellers, women, and youths who face systemic exclusion despite their contributions to the economy.

The Oxfam Country Director commended ECOWAS for showing commitment to humanity, rural integration, and inclusive development. He argued that regional institutions must now translate such commitments into concrete action that delivers measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

Makina revealed that Oxfam, working with CISLAC and other partners in West Africa, has developed a comprehensive strategy document for 2024–2029.

“The strategy is designed to guide civil society engagement with ECOWAS and provide a roadmap for reducing inequality across the region”, he said.
CISLAC’s executive director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stressed that reducing economic inequality in Nigeria and across West Africa is not a matter of choice but a necessity. He described inequality as a stumbling block to achieving equitable and sustainable growth.

Rafsanjani argued that inequality feeds political instability, undermines democracy, and keeps millions trapped in poverty. He said if left unaddressed, it will continue to frustrate efforts at building a united and prosperous region.

He said: “The ECOWAS Vision 2050 speaks to our aspirations for a more peaceful, democratic, and integrated West Africa. But for that vision to be realised, we must strengthen democratic governance, credible elections, and accountable leadership. Citizens have lost trust in governance because they see a system that serves a few at the expense of the majority. This must change.

“I also want to acknowledge ECOWAS’ leadership in resisting unconstitutional changes of government and tenure elongation in our region. These are commendable steps, but more work must be done to ensure that democracy delivers for the people.

Rafsanjani announced that CISLAC is set to release its 8th Annual SDG 16 Shadow Report at the United Nations General Assembly. Responding, ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, welcomed the engagement and described civil society as strategic partners in achieving regional integration. He acknowledged that peace, security, and trade remain at the heart of the Commission’s priorities.

Touray urged CSOs to step up sensitisation efforts, not only to remind citizens of their rights but also of their responsibilities under regional protocols.

He said disinformation, deep fakes, and weak education systems were growing threats to regional stability, adding that climate change is intensifying farmer–herder clashes and other conflicts.

He said ECOWAS is committed to working with civil society to mobilise climate action and adaptation measures that can prevent further unrest.