News Agency of Nigeria
Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators
Culture & Tourism

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators

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By Folasade Adeniran

A tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged West African tour operators to collaborate closely to promote travel and tourism within the region and achieve shared objectives.

 

Uko spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the just-concluded eighth edition of the West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025).

 

The event, with the theme, “Reimagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol”, was held in Accra, Ghana, from June 27 to July 1.

 

NAN reports that the event focused on seamless travel in West Africa, exploring its opportunities and challenges.

 

It featured a summit for West African tour operators and transporters.

 

Uko, who organises the annual event, said this year’s edition particularly focused on tour operators because they are the real enablers.

 

“Transporters and tour operators have been the ones sustaining regional travel, but they’ve rarely worked together.

 

“So, we thought, let’s convene them. First, to network. Second, to challenge one another. And third, to get them to take a position on how to improve. That’s how the idea of a tour operators’ summit came about,” Uko explained.

 

Uko commended ECOWAS for its role in the summit.

 

He stated, “We’re happy that one way or another, ECOWAS themselves reached out to us and decided that they are interested in what we are doing.

 

“Over the past years, they have been attempting to engage more with tourism and travel, but mostly at the level of national federations.

 

“Now, they see the value of engaging directly with practitioners. They realised the actual issues with the protocol aren’t entirely ECOWAS’s fault; it’s in the implementation by sovereign states.”

 

According to Uko, ECOWAS has requested a compilation of a report based on the deliberations of the tour operators.

 

“I have asked them to identify five key issues and recommendations.

 

“We don’t want to impose a report from the top; it must be participatory, something they own. Once it’s done, we will present it to the ECOWAS president,” he added.

 

Uko said networking plans were already underway for Accraweizo 2026.

 

“For example, we have 21 tour operators from East Africa planning to come solely to find West African partners. This is how we grow,” he noted.

 

According to him, the goal is to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities within the region, improving and simplifying airport and border processes, among other things.

 

“West Africa is the biggest region in Africa, with over 400 million people rich in culture and tourist attractions.

 

“It receives the least number of tourists, yet West African countries generate the highest number of outbound travelers in Africa.

 

“There is a need to encourage West Africans to travel within the region, and this is the goal of Accra Weizo,” Uko highlighted.

 

NAN reports that during the summit, the push for unity and collaboration was reinforced by Yvonne Donkor, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

 

She stressed the importance of advocating policies that support cross-border tourism, continuous dialogue among stakeholders, and innovative partnerships that could break down barriers limiting regional travel.

 

Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital for achieving seamless cross-border travel in West Africa.

 

She urged governments in the region to collaborate on infrastructure development, such as border facilities, roads, and transportation systems.

 

She also noted that creating bilingual content collaboration would bridge the region’s language divide.

 

NAN reports that the event drew stakeholders from countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement
Foreign

ECOWAS court unveils strategies for stronger judgment enforcement

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Enforcement

By Taiye Olayemi

The ECOWAS Court has outlined key strategies aimed at strengthening the enforcement of its judgments across member states.

Mr Gaye Sowe, Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, disclosed this during a news conference at the close of the two-day inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities of ECOWAS member states, held in Lagos.

The theme of the meeting was “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities”.

Sowe, who also serves as the Registrar in charge of Appeals, Arbitration, and Enforcement at the ECOWAS Court, stated that the meeting had provided a platform for discussions and practical proposals to address long-standing enforcement challenges.

He said that the meeting agreed on bridging the existing communication gap between the Court and national authorities to foster judgment compliance.

He noted that this became necessary following observations that frequent changes in public office holders had led to communication breakdowns between the Court and national authorities.

He explained that direct engagement with national officials was critical to resolving enforcement bottlenecks, particularly as not all member states had designated the required Competent Authorities to receive and implement the Court’s judgments.

He said that the Court also reached a consensus on developing clear guidelines for the award of reparations and ensuring in-person engagement with Competent National Authorities.

He explained that it was also agreed that the Court would focus on fostering working and lasting relationships with stakeholders across member states.

“These strategies are designed to make the Court’s judgments more impactful and enforceable by improving understanding, coordination, and cooperation between the Court and the designated authorities in each country.

“The challenge of enforcement has persisted for years. What this meeting has done is to provide a platform for legal and technical experts to brainstorm and propose practical solutions,” he added.

Speaking on the Court’s progress, Sowe noted that since the amendment of the Court’s Protocol in 2005, the Court had presided over 400 cases across member states.

He said that 125 of such cases were from Nigeria, out of which 10 judgments had been enforced, 50 were not yet enforced, and 65 were dismissed.

Earlier, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said the domestication of the Revised Treaty and the Court’s Protocols remains a critical issue.

He noted that without incorporation into national law, especially in dualist common law countries, the enforcement of the Court’s judgments is greatly limited.

He, however, urged member states to expedite the process to ensure smooth implementation and uphold the Court’s authority.

“Through your candid contributions, we have identified actionable pathways to enhance adherence to the Court’s decisions, ensure consistency in enforcement procedures, equip national authorities with the requisite technical and procedural tools, and build a framework for ongoing collaboration.

“This meeting has fostered a deeper understanding of the obstacles we face and has enabled the sharing of best practices and practical solutions.

“Crucially, it has strengthened the bonds of cooperation between the Court and national authorities, ensuring that our judgments are not merely symbolic, but are effectively translated into real and lasting justice for the peoples of our region.

“I am confident that the knowledge shared and the commitments made during this meeting have sensitized all participants to the legal frameworks, roles, and obligations that underpin the enforcement of the Court’s decisions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges
Foreign

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is currently facing integration challenges, and seeks to address it by strengthening unity, solidarity, and fraternity within the bloc.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the commission, expressed the fear and plan of action at the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AFC’s crucial meeting was held to evaluate the mid-term implementation of the decisions, programmes, projects, and activities of ECOWAS institutions.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President,  Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray said the mid-term implementation of the programmes, and activities of the community’s institutions aimed at evaluating ECOWAS’ difficult financial situation.

He said the meeting would also delve into how to minimise the negative effects of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the gains of 50 years of integration.

The president said that the AFC session would also update member states on the progress made on the state of recruitment within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray said one lesson learnt from ECOWAS’ recent fiftieth anniversary and the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger was the need to speed up institutional, organisational, political and security reforms.

He said it was in light of the intended reforms that the commission, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, would soon be convening a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, said the evolving dynamics of global aid and financing necessitated the commission’s recent decision to procure new communications infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged member states to rethink resource generation and utilisation, adding that the newly acquired equipment would help to modernise the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

Amb. Olawale Awe, AFC Chairman, emphasised the need for proactive measures to address pressing issues, such as staffing gaps across ECOWAS institutions, and the community levy following the Sahel State’s withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by distinguished ECOWAS dignitaries, including commissioners, parliamentarians, the Community Court, resident representatives, heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement
Foreign

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has pledged to deepen its engagement with the subregion’s youths and academic institutions to ensure a robust legal culture of justice, human rights and rule of law.

The President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said this at the end of the maiden edition of the Moot Court competition of the Community Court on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which began on Wednesday, had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offering them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

Gonçalves said that the community court had resolved to make the competition an annual flagship programme.

He also said that future editions of the competition would be expanded to include universities from all ECOWAS member states to truly reflect the bloc’s diversity and unity.

The court’s president explained that through such engagement, the court would demystify its work and plant the seeds of a robust regional legal culture that values justice, human rights, cooperation and rule of law.

“This event has made one thing abundantly clear; that the time has come for the ECOWAS Court of Justice to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and the youth of our region.

“In light of the overwhelming success of this pilot edition, I am pleased to announce that the court has resolved to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship programme.

“Future editions will expand to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States, truly reflecting the diversity and unity of our region,” he said.

Earlier in a vote of thanks, the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma, said the event aimed to create a platform for legal education, engagement and excellence among the region’s future legal minds.

He also said that mooting was a portal through which students could fully immerse themselves in the environment of ethical considerations and protocols of a real courtroom.

Koroma lauded the participating universities and their students, adding that their intellect, composure, and advocacy made the institutions proud and gave the court great hope in the future of regional justice.

“Today, as we conclude the finals of this historic competition, we do so with immense pride and gratitude, having witnessed the vision come to life in a truly remarkable fashion.

“To the students—you are the stars of this event.

” Your hard work, enthusiastic participation, dedication and legal acumen have made this moot competition a success.

“We wish each of you success in your future endeavours and hope that this competition has fostered not only legal proficiency but also a lifelong commitment to justice,” he added.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the announcement of the winners of the competition and award of certificates for various categories to them.

Two Nigerian universities, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and University of Jos, won the overall best prize and runner up prize, taking home N5 million and N3 million respectively.

Two of the students, Nicholas Ochojila and Diretkinan Dashi, both from the University of Jos, expressed their gratitude to the ECOWAS Court for the opportunity to participate in the competition.

They said that the event was a good outing for the university, which came second, narrowly losing to ABU by one point, and producing the overall best oralist award winner through Ochojila. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities’ law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, threw the challenge to the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.

He explained that the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to also better understand the court’s mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court’s personnel at all levels.

“It is an opportunity for you to better understand the mission and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, to deepen your engagement with regional legal frameworks, and interact directly with the Chief Registrar, the directors, the lawyers of the Community Court of Justice, the Excellencies, judges, and fellow law students.

“As future advocates, judges and policy makers, your participation in this Moot Court reflects a shared dedication to upholding justice, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing  legal excellence across West Africa.

“As we commence this interactive session, may it inspire collaboration, stimulate critical thoughts, and reinforce the vital role of justice in building a peaceful and unified West Africa,” he said.

The Community Court President said that he was very impressed by the law students’ legal arguments, court cases, and all their demonstrations during the opening session of the moot court competition.

According to him, their sterling performance gives the court joy and hope that the future generation is moving forward to perhaps do more than what they are doing today.

He said the orientation session was pivotal to provide participants with more clarity about the court, while their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence, dialogue and the advancement of regional jurisprudence.

“Now, we wish that you keep it up in order to ensure that you have a bright  legal career after your legal  studies in the university,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court’s Principal Research Officer, gave a presentation to clarify the court’s Jurisdiction, Protocol, Articles, Access, and Admissibility, among others.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court has  one Protocol, which was  adopted on the 6th of July, 1991, and was amended  on the 19th of Jan., 2005 as its Supplementary Protocol.

Agbozo said that Article 9.4 of the court’s Protocol regarding jurisdiction on human rights cases stipulates that the court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur within any member state’s territory.

He further explained that in human rights cases, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a dispute  between individuals, that is, an individual suing another individual, as well as non-state actors like corporations.

“First, the source of human rights obligation within ECOWAS is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights  and the human rights instrument adopted under the auspices of the United Nations to which member states are parties.

“The court has jurisdiction over the member states if It has signed a supplementary protocol  of 19th January 2005 and has ratified the universal  or African human rights instruments invoked.

“Only member states can be brought before the Court of Human Rights violation because member states are the sole parties to the regional and the universal instruments which the court has jurisdiction over,” he said.

On admissibility, he explained that the pendency of the same suit before a domestic court or an international court of equal jurisdiction cannot oust the court’s competence to determine the case on alleged human rights violation.

“The court also has consistently held its position that there is no need to exhaust local remedy before bringing an action before the court,” Agbozo stressed.

Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court’s Senior Legal Officer, described the court as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which was established to ensure the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty.

He said the court represented a significant achievement in enhancing West African and African regional integration framework, having established itself as an institution for protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law.

“The mission and vision of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing, sustaining and enabling the legal environment for the achievement of community aims and objectives.

“Now the mission of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing a sustaining and enabling legal environment for the achievement of community  aims and objectives,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four Nigerian universities qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition which was due to take place later on Friday.

They are the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Jos, the Lagos State University and the University of Uyo.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students
Foreign

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday inaugurated a moot court competition for W/African law students aimed at fostering legal interaction and empowering the youth in the subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights Through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offer them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working, and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

The Community Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, while declaring the event opened, described it as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

He emphasised that the event was an embodiment academic exercise, and a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the subregion.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which is tasked with delivering justice and fostering judicial understanding and accessibility.

“This moot court competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and nurturing the next generation of legal minds.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one. It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all,” Gonçalves said.

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which, he said, included deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

He noted that the competition was also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, and tools that were critical both in the courtroom and in public service.

The court’s president explained that the competition also aimed at raising awareness about the court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Gonçalves added that the event also served as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

“This event is both timely and transformative, this is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and be always guided by ethics.

“This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.

“May this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa, and may the best team win,” he said.

He said the maiden edition of the competition, which featured eight Nigerian universities, would be an annual event, eventually expanding to all West African universities’ law faculties.

Speaking earlier, the court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, described the event as a “historic moment” that would enrich legal education, promote youth engagement, regional integration, and justice advancement.

He said that the competition was also a practical learning platform that reflected real courtroom procedures.

“This moot court is more than a competition. It is a vital educational tool that cultivates critical thinking, advocacy, and a deep respect for due process.

“To our participants, may this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice,” he said.

NAN reports that the participating universities were selected from thirteen institutions which had earlier applied and chosen based on their outstanding performances in the memorial submission stage.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, among others, was the official opening of the moot court competition among the participating universities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG strengthening cross-border cooperation with Niger despite exit from ECOWAS – NBC
Metro

FG strengthening cross-border cooperation with Niger despite exit from ECOWAS – NBC

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Government says it is strengthening cross border cooperation with Niger Republic in spite of that county’s exit from ECOWAS, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Mr Adamu Adaji, the Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), stated this on Friday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the NBC was cooperating with Niger authorities to make the international boundaries visible.

He said that the cross-border cooperation was critical because the border communities were affected by boundary delimitation on both sides.

“Governments and politics may be different from the actual people on the ground in terms of boundaries and how they relate with their neighbours.

“We try to encourage that cooperation and they have been cooperating.

“What we’re doing is to make sure that we make the boundary very visible for the people on both sides.

“We have instances where the boundaries straddle some communities, cutting the community into two – part in Nigeria, part in Niger.

“So, we encourage them to cooperate and live peacefully, and they have been living peacefully,” he said.

Adaji explained that geography has brought the people together and they have existed economically, socially, and that cooperation is still existing.

According to him, the cooperation may encourage Niger to consider coming back to the ECOWAS fold, as the regional bloc is making provision to provide facilities to encourage cross-border cooperation.

“I think it will be better, if they are within the ECOWAS fold.

“For now, we’re cooperating in terms of getting the boundary properly defined for the people to understand and know where they are.” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court, (ICC), and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), have pledged to deepen their cooperation to enhance global jurisprudence.

They made the pledge during a working visit by a high-level ECOWAS Court delegation, led by its President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, to the institutions’ headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands.

The four international judicial institutions all agreed to establish inter-institutional partnerships, initiate staff exchange and training programmes and research.

“These steps are expected to contribute to the continued growth and modernisation of the ECOWAS Court’s judicial operations.

“The mission aimed to deepen inter-institutional cooperation and enhance the Court’s exposure to international judicial practices,” a statement by the court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

He said that the visit included strategic engagements with the three major international legal institutions.

“Discussions focused on jurisdictional frameworks, prosecutorial processes, legal research tools, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training, legal staff exchange, and library development.

“At the ICC, the delegation was received by Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, Second Vice-President of the Court.

“A key highlight included a lecture by Mamadou Racine Ly, Advisor to the Prosecutor and Legal Officer, Dr Ania Salinas Cerda, on admissibility criteria and prosecutorial mechanisms,” Hounkanrin said.

He also said that the PCA hosted the delegation at the Peace Palace, where its Secretary-General, Dr Marcin Czepelak, welcomed the delegation.

The Community Court’s spokesman said that legal officers of the PCA delivered a session on the institution’s history, mandate, and current caseload, emphasising its unique role in inter-state and investor-state dispute resolution.

“At the ICJ, the ECOWAS judges held a judicial dialogue with the President of the Court, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, and other sitting judges, exploring both courts’ complementary roles in the international legal order,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS @50: Achievements, challenges and future directions
Features

ECOWAS @50: Achievements, challenges and future directions

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By Angela Atabo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

50 years ago, in May 1975, 15 West African countries came together and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was birthed with the Treaty of Lagos.

 

The vision was bold–to create a strong, integrated regional bloc that would promote economic development, political cooperation, social solidarity, and peace across the subcontinent.

 

Half a century later, ECOWAS stands as both a testament to regional solidarity and a mirror reflecting the complexities of post-colonial Africa.

 

As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, observers say it is time to assess its journey, celebrating achievements, confronting challenges, and mapping a future that serves the people of West Africa.

 

They say the regional bloc has achieved some feats in terms of peace and security using ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), for peacekeeping in stabilising conflict zones.

 

According to them, ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons has enabled millions of West Africans to travel, trade, and seek work across borders without visas.

 

More so, stakeholders highlight ECOWAS’ strides toward economic integration through initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and efforts to create a common currency, external tariff among other achievements.

 

Regrettably, analysts say the sub-region has also experienced some road blocks to unity and political stability amid the rise of terrorism and armed insurgency in the Sahel.

 

In recent years, a resurgence of military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger has challenged ECOWAS’s democratic credentials.

 

As ECOWAS clocks 50, the need for reforms and renewal is urgent.

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently highlighted several challenges facing ECOWAS to include political instability, economic disparities, and the need for stronger regional integration.

 

Specifically, Tinubu emphasised the threats of unconstitutional rule, violent extremism, and the ongoing struggle to address poverty, lack of access to quality education, and unemployment and noted the need for ECOWAS to refocus on its people, invest in education and innovation, and strengthen its commitment to democracy and good governance.

 

As part of effort to address these challenges; Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) who have continued to contribute significantly to conflict prevention, peace building, and the overall development agenda of ECOWAS are speaking up.

 

They are of the opinion that the regional bloc was in need of reforms among other things to strengthen the region in all spheres.

 

CSOs like the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Ghana and Nigeria, as well as other stakeholders who have been playing vital roles in ECOWAS, have lent their voices.

 

CDD Senior Fellow, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, said that recent developments, including military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, posed significant challenges to the bloc’s unity.

 

Ibrahim said that although ECOWAS had been instrumental in deepening democracy in the region; yet, the emergence of unconstitutional regimes threatened the unity and progress it had achieved.

 

“We are facing a major crisis, especially following the emergence of coup d’etat in the region, specifically in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea.

 

“This is a huge challenge which eventually led to the emergence of a different organisation for the Sahelian countries.

 

“We feel that we must take the long view and that long view means, first and foremost to remain on the path of democratic consolidation for West Africa.”

 

Ibrahim said there was need to continue to talk to the Sahelians countries that left democracy to see the value of democracy in the medium term and on the basis of that rescinded their decision.

 

He explained that one of ECOWAS’s core reasons for existence was promoting regional integration and the Sahelian countries that opted out have no access to the sea.

 

He said that the inability of many ECOWAS member states to generate sustainable employment, particularly for the youths was fueling disillusionment and instability.

 

Ibrahim said there was need to deepen the democracy of the region through various reforms.

 

“ECOWAS has been good for West Africa and West Africa has been good for ECOWAS.

 

“It has been a very positive force for West Africa and we do not want ECOWAS to disintegrate; we feel that we must remain on the path of democratic consolidation for West Africa,’’ he said.

 

In his opinion, the Director of CDD West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, said ECOWAS was still serving the needs of West Africa in spite of the challenges although more needs to be done.

 

“We need to redefine the treaties and protocols; we also need to create a situation where democracy will continue to flourish in this region for prosperity.

 

“This will lead to full regional integration and also achieve what we call the developmental regionalism that is a dream of our time,’’ he said

 

Stressing the need for reforms, the Project Coordinator of WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour, said the challenges faced by the regional bloc had made it imperative for innovative reforms.

 

“Indeed, the need for ECOWAS is even more demanding to ensure a coordinated and harmonised response, cooperation and solidarity in countering cross-border security threats fuelling instability and roll back deteriorating democratic norms and governance in the region,’’ he said.

 

He commended ECOWAS for being reconciliatory and exhibiting statesmanship with its position and response to the Alliance of Sahel State (AES) countries following the Jan 29th deadline, which contributed to mitigating public anxiety and apprehension at the time.

 

Osei-Kuffour called on AES to prioritise its engagement with ECOWAS within the transition period, particularly on matters of security and trade in the wider interest of cooperation and the stability of West Africa.

 

The Chairman of the CDD Board, John Odah, called on civil society organisations to critically evaluate the bloc’s successes and shortcomings and to actively support the vision of regional integration.

 

“ECOWAS was established to integrate 15 sub-Saharan African countries socially, economically, culturally, and politically, so it imperative for civil society to ensure that the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.

 

“Democracy in West Africa deepens when democracy in the individual countries in West Africa deepens; we have had some challenges in some of our West African countries where the democratic regime has encountered significant challenges.

 

“However, we feel it is important for all of us as citizens of our own countries to try to engage political actors to remain on the path of democracy and that by deepening democracy at the country level, we can deepen democracy at the regional level,’’ he said.

 

The WADEMOS Advocacy officer, Austin Aigbe, said there had been democratic backsliding in the West African region that if not addressed could lead to more coups.

 

“We have come to know that disintegration is not an option because of the huge opportunity that the ECOWAS bloc provides.

 

“As a West African citizen you can travel around the region without passport; that is an advantage that ECOWAS brings to the table but however with the exit of some countries, it reduces that number.

 

“This is weird for us so we need to get them back.

 

“There is also a challenge that needs attention, this is with the countries that extend their tenure and change their constitution; we call it constitutional coup.”

 

According to Aigbe, if military coups are criticised, then civilian coup of tenure elongation should also be condemned .

 

He said there was need to continue with the ideology of ECOWAS but by rethinking reforms to properly position it as a stronger institution, the pride of Africa.

 

“The democratic backsliding must be tackled because we do not want ECOWAS to disintegrate especially because of its free movement, beyond that, there is need to enforce the ECOWAS protocol of good governance and democracy,” he said.

 

For ECOWAS to survive and be strengthened going forward, experts advise that it rebuilds trust and democratic norms by revisiting governance protocols and strengthening democratic institutions.(NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

ECOWAS Bank disbursed .5bn for 300 projects since inception —President
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ECOWAS Bank disbursed $2.5bn for 300 projects since inception —President

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has disbursed more than 2.5 billion dollars supporting about 300 projects across the subregion since its inception in 1999.

EBID President, Dr George Donkor, made this known during an interactive session with heads of ECOWAS institutions and specialised agencies at the ongoing First Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interactive session was to enable the bank to present its progress report and vision for regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development.

The session also aimed to highlight EBID’s alignment with ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which emphasises regional integration, social inclusion, and economic resilience.

Donkor, represented by the bank’s Director of Research and Strategic Planning, MacDonald Goanue, said that EBID had within 26 years positioned itself as the financial backbone of the ECOWAS region.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to regional development through its strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, health, agriculture, education, and digital transformation across West Africa.

“In 2024 alone, the Bank approved 10 new projects worth UA 330. 76 million (439.74 million dollars) and appraised 21 additional projects,” he said.

Donkor said the bank’s key flagship initiatives included connecting electricity networks between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire; solar electricity of 750 community facilities in Benin; and construction of a vital bridge linking AIBD to Blaise Diagne Airport in Senegal.

He said that EBID also boosted Medium, Small and Micro Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) financing, supported public-private partnerships, especially in agro-processing and manufacturing, among others, across the ECOWAS subregion.

“The number of projects benefiting from disbursements increased from 56 in 2023 to 77 in 2024.

“The annual loan disbursement rate was approximately 20.54 per cent in 2024, slightly down from 21.58 per cent in 2023,” he said.

The bank’s president stressed that the partnership between EBID and the Ecowas Parliament was essential to realising a stable, prosperous and integrated sub-region.

He also disclosed that Nigeria is the largest shareholder in the regional financial institution, with approximately 33 per cent of total shares, followed by Ghana and Ivory Coast, respectively.

Donkor said that Nigeria would soon give an additional 100 million dollars capital contribution to EBID, which he described as a reaffirmation of its strong commitment to regional economic integration and development.

He said, “Nigeria is the biggest contributor. Nigeria is in the process of even paying 100 million dollars to the bank.

“We finance private projects in Nigeria. The Bank of Industry is our client. We have done business with commercial banks and so on, so, we do a lot in Nigeria.

“Ghana has paid its second tranche; Côte d’Ivoire is doing very well,” he said.

The bank’s president also disclosed that the Indian government availed it about one billion dollars facility to fund infrastructure, energy, transport, and private sector development across West Africa from 2006 till date.

Donkor further explained that EBID is not a commercial bank, and does not take deposits, adding that its operations relied mainly on Member States’ contributions and international financing facilities.

The community parliamentarians took turns to commend the bank for its great contributions to regional development and also sought clarification on specific projects that had been implemented, as well as their sustainability and strategies.

They also offered constructive recommendations aimed at improving transparency, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring that development financing was more inclusive.

NAN also reports that the EBID is a leading regional investment and development bank owned by all the ECOWAS Member States, and was established in 1999 with headquarters in Lome, Togo.

The bank currently supports key development projects in all ECOWAS countries, focusing on energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, and health, among others, while expanding its footprint and deepening regional integration.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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