ECOWAS parliament reaffirms commitment to regional integration

The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States’ Parliament (ECOWAS Parliament), Memounatou Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to economic integration among member states.

She spoke on Monday at the opening of the first Extraordinary Session and seminar of the Parliament for the year 2025 in Lagos State.

With the theme, ‘ECOWAS @ 50 and Parliament @ 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament Towards Attaining Regional Integration, she expressed the need for the region to look into the future with renewed determination despite the numerous challenges besetting it.

Noting that the pursuit of a single currency remained a top priority for the Parliament, Ibrahim called for stronger collaboration to address regional challenges. Some of the steps towards building a brighter future for West Africa, she identified, include strengthening regional institutions for responsive, inclusive, and effective economic development.

She added, “As we reflect on the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also look to the future with renewed determination. The challenges we face are significant, but so too are the opportunities.”

Addressing the recent exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, the Speaker assured that measures were being taken to mitigate the impacts on the remaining member states.

Calling for deeper dialogue with the exiting countries, she, however, believed that shared regional ties remained imperative, as ECOWAS’s resolve to sustain bilateral relations with them was unshaken.

“We will continue to engage in deeper dialogue with the departing nations, and we will maintain bilateral relations with them,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim said the one-week session and seminar would serve to deliberate on regional challenges and emerge with recommendations capable of promoting peace and stability. She, therefore, urged all member states to remain committed to the objectives of the bloc and work together to achieve lasting integration.

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressed the resilience and collective will of the people in shaping ECOWAS into a dynamic regional organisation.

Commending the Parliament for its continued efforts in advancing peace, security, and unity within the region, the governor said, “ECOWAS has developed from a bold idea into a dynamic regional organisation. It has proven to be a beacon of hope.”

He also used the occasion to advocate for greater investments in the development of the younger generations through education and job creation.

Also speaking, the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Jibrin Barau, believed that through collaborative efforts, the region could be strengthened.

“Through our collaborative efforts and decision-making, we can strengthen our region and work together towards shared goals that advance prosperity and progress. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to general unity, cooperation, and progress,” he added.