ECOWAS highlights regional integration at 66th summit

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently held its 66th ordinary session in Abuja, Nigeria.

President, ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the great strides that have been made in regional economic integration efforts with the operationalisation of the electronic certificate of origin and the continued implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which has improved intra-regional trade. Adding that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project promises to enhance energy access and drive regional industrialisation.

Chairman, Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirmed that the founding principles of ECOWAS is to promote economic integration, peace and prosperity for the region through cooperation and solidarity.

Tinubu, who is also the president of Nigeria, said that ECOWAS was born out of a shared vision to create a community where citizens can thrive, unhindered by conflict, poverty, or inequality.

“Over the years, ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones in strengthening regional integration, facilitating free movement of people, goods, and services, and supporting democratic governance and conflict resolution. Initiatives such as; ETLS, the Common External Tariff (CET), and the ECOWAS Investment Code (EIC) have bolstered economic cooperation and cross-border trade”, he added.

He emphasised that as a regional community, “we must not lose sight of our fundamental responsibility, which is to protect our citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper. As leaders, we are fully aware that security is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Equally, enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation.”

The Session was attended by Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOWAS, H.E. Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, among other dignitaries.