NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration

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Participants at the First Ordinary Session of the 2025 ECOWAS Parliament on Tuesday in Abuja. (NAN)

 

By Mark Longyen

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Memounatou Ibrahima has urged member states to deliberately embrace, cultivate, and reinvent the institution’s integration agenda as it marks its 50th anniversary in May.

Ibrahima made the plea on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the regional parliament, which also heralded the activities lined up for the parliament’s 25th anniversary in November.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations mark the beginning of a series of activities aimed at promoting regional integration and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

According to her, there is the need for collective efforts by all ECOWAS institutions and member states to build a more integrated and prosperous West African economic bloc.

Ibrahima, therefore, called on member states to work together to address common challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality for economic growth and development.

“This silver jubilee that we are celebrating must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must make to constantly cultivate and reinvent.

“The progress made together and the results obtained so far are still confronted with so many challenges that we have to meet for the well-being of our fellow citizens.

“Integration and community life is a long-term and everyday task that we must continue relentlessly. However, we must celebrate our victories in an inclusive manner alongside other sister ECOWAS Institutions,” she said.

While paying tribute to ECOWAS’ founding fathers, Ibrahima enumerated the parliament’s achievements over the years to include its promoting of parliamentary cooperation, managing of political crises, and enhancing of regional integration.

The speaker unveiled the activities lined up for the anniversary to include seminars, workshops, and other events that would bring together stakeholders to brainstorm on the bloc’s shared vision and challenges.

“One of the key areas of focus for the parliament’s anniversary celebrations will be the promotion of economic integration and trade among member states.

“The ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past five decades.

“The community has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, but there is still much work to be done to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” she said.

She said that the parliament would continue to play a vital role in promoting regional integration and cooperation while prioritising the people’s collective economic growth and development.

Dr Omar Touray, President, ECOWAS Commission, said that the parliament occupied a strategic position in ECOWAS integration process, with its members being the representatives of the Community citizens.

He said that the event had a two-fold significance, that is, the withdrawal of three member states with its potential impact on integration, and ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Touray said that ECOWAS would commence direct discussions with the three withdrawn Sahel countries on the methodology of the negotiations regarding the contingency plan for their complete withdrawal this week.

According to him, the position of ECOWAS is that the separation of the three countries should not come at the expense of the community citizens.

He said that the celebration was not only a moment of rejoicing but above all a moment of reflection and introspection on ECOWAS’ achievements and prospects.

“In this regard, a Summit on the Future of West Africa will be held for our member states to agree on a compact on the future of the Community.

“The summit will be preceded by series of discussions and reflections by diverse stakeholders within the community and beyond.

“Therefore, while we celebrate our achievements, we will reflect deeply on what has worked well and what has not worked well over the past fifty years.

“This is as much in terms of the pursuit of security and political stability as in terms of socio-economic and infrastructural development,” he said.

In a message of goodwill, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, stressed the need to deepen collaboration between the Court and Parliament towards promoting regional integration and justice to achieve ECOWAS Vision 2050.

He said while the Parliament was crucial in amplifying Community citizens’ voices and ensuring that their aspirations and concerns were translated into policies and actions, the Court upheld the rule of law and promoted human rights.

Gonçalves said the year 2025 had been significant because it marked the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS as a bloc.

According to the Community Court’s President, the milestones are presenting an opportunity for the bloc to reflect on its progress and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and justice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Integration: ECOWAS decries W/Africa’s high airfares
General News

Integration: ECOWAS decries W/Africa’s high airfares

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By Mark Longyen

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Mémounatou Ibrahima and other stakeholders have decried the high fares of traveling by air within West Africa, saying such was inimical to subregional economic growth.

They made this known at the opening session of a Delocalised Meeting of  ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, on Tuesday in Lomé.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has as its theme: “Air Transport as a Means of Integration for West African Peoples: A Strategy for Reducing Airline Ticket Costs.”

The speaker noted that there would not be free movement of people without effective and affordable transportation, and air transport was a vital tool for regional economic development and integration.

According to her, the prohibitive airfares are obstacles to the successful implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols to achieve its ECOWAS of the People vision.

“The theme reflects a major issue facing our citizens: the prohibitive costs of air travel between our countries, which hinder the free movement of people and compromise our ambitions for regional integration,” she said.

The speaker further said that air transport promoted trade, stimulated tourism, strengthened cultural and social ties, and contributed to the growth of member states’ economies.

She attributed the soaring air fares to multiple taxes and charges imposed across airports in the region.

“The airports contribute financially to state budgets in several ways, including landing fees, air ticket taxes, security taxes, non-aviation taxes, and revenues from commercial activities at the airport.

“However, it is clear that all these fees make air ticket costs prohibitive within the ECOWAS region, thus hampering a major driver of development, which is tourism.

“Others are national airlines operating in isolation rather than in synergy; lack of modern infrastructure adapted to the needs of air transport; and weak implementation of agreements liberalising African airspace, notably the Yamoussoukro Declaration,” Ibrahima said.

She warned that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 would remain elusive without an efficient and affordable air transport system.

“If we are to achieve the objectives of the third pillar of ECOWAS Vision 2050, ‘Economic Integration and Interconnectivity,’ it is up to us, as representatives of the peoples of ECOWAS, to explore viable and sustainable solutions.

“I am convinced that the discussions that will take place during this meeting, to which we have invited African air transport experts and leaders, will be fruitful and will lead to concrete proposals to address this major challenge,” she added.

The parliamentarian urged her colleagues to develop strong recommendations that would guide member states and relevant institutions in establishing a policy framework for more accessible regional air transport.

In his remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Sédiko Douka, said that air transport fares within the West African subregion was the highest globally.

He said the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government was concerned about the situation and had mandated the commission to coordinate and harmonise member states’ air transport policies, programmes, and projects.

“The task now lies in working towards the implementation of these community texts by ECOWAS member states, whose effective implementation start date has been set for January 1, 2026 – a 15-month period to allow them to prepare, particularly from a budgetary perspective.

“The subregion is counting on you the members of parliament to implement the community texts that the states themselves initiated and participated in the development, review, and adoption process,” Douka said.

Vice President of the Togolese National Assembly, Dzereke Yao, said West Africa’s air transport challenge must be urgently addressed to foster stronger economic and human connections among ECOWAS citizens.

He said prohibitive airfares were undermining the region’s integration aspirations, adding that the outcome of the five-day meeting should go beyond discussions.

“This paradoxical situation merits our attention because our community boasts considerable potential, whether in population size, economic growth, or youthful dynamism,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments
Foreign

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments

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By Mark Longyen

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has decried the difficulty of enforcing the judgments of ECOWAS Court in sovereign states with diverse political climates.

Alogba made this known when ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos, a statement issued on Thursday by ECOWAS Court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

Hounkanrin said that Alogba lauded the ECOWAS Court for its high standards of jurisprudence and its commitment to justice in the sub-region.

He said that the CJ acknowledged ECOWAS Court’s achievements, and stressed the need for continued collaboration and exchange between national and regional judicial bodies.

Alogba, however, emphasised that international charters must be respected once they were ratified by member states.

“The existence of judicial bodies like the ECOWAS Court play a vital role in ensuring legal accountability and curbing impunity, even when direct enforcement mechanisms are limited,” Alogba said.

Responding, Justice Gonçalves, who was accompanied by the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma and the Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, appreciated the CJ for the warm welcome and institutional support.

He explained that the visit was part of the court’s sensitisation campaign and preparations for its upcoming external court sessions scheduled to take place from May 5-7, and May 8-16, respectively, in Lagos.

The court’s president added that the events aimed at increasing public awareness about the court’s role, as well as improving access to regional justice.

He said the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS had reduced the number of the court’s participating states from 15 to 12, describing the development as regrettable.

While affirming the court’s continued commitment to its mandate, Gonçalves outlined its core jurisdiction as human rights protection, which represented over 80 per cent of its caseload.

The president listed the court’s other mandates as the interpretation and application of ECOWAS legal instruments, disputes involving community civil servants, and advisory legal opinions to ECOWAS institutions.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

President Barrow pledges support for ECOWAS’ Banjul-Barra Bridge project
Foreign

President Barrow pledges support for ECOWAS’ Banjul-Barra Bridge project

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By Mark Longyen

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has pledged his support for ECOWAS’ proposed Banjul-Barra Bridge initiative, describing it as a critical infrastructure that would engender massive development in the subregion.

Barrow stated this when he received ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Sediko Douka, who led a high-level delegation to him in Banjul, on a courtesy visit.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by ECOWAS Spokesperson, Joel Ahofodji, the president said that the project aligned with his administration’s development agenda.

He said that it would reduce travel time between the north and south banks of The Gambia, improve agricultural supply chains, facilitate regional integration, and improve national security and accessibility.

“This project is long overdue and vital for our national and regional development.

“It will significantly enhance trade between The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau.

“It will also unlock economic opportunities for local communities, particularly small-scale farmers and women traders,” the President said.

Barrow further added that the initiative was a milestone project that would facilitate cross-border mobility and trade in the region.

Speaking earlier, Douka said that the project was strategically important in enhancing regional connectivity, boosting intra-ECOWAS trade, and contributing to the socio-economic development of The Gambia and its neighbors.

The commissioner also briefed the President on the planned unveiling of its Feasibility and Preliminary Design Study, as well as the accompanying 11-kilometre access road.

He explained that the bridge project was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration and improve cross-border infrastructure and connectivity, adding that ECOWAS had reached an advanced consultation level on it.

Douka, accompanied by ECOWAS President’s Chief of Staff, Abdou Kolley, also held a strategic meeting with The Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebraima Sillah, and members of the country’s technical team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Banjul-Barra Bridge Project is a flagship infrastructure initiative under the ECOWAS regional integration framework.

It is aimed at strengthening ECOWAS’ physical integration and economic development by way of a transformative development for The Gambia and the entire subregion.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Senegal tasks ECOWAS countries on investment promotion
Foreign

Senegal tasks ECOWAS countries on investment promotion

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By Mark Longyen

Senegal has urged Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to step up measures that would promote and attract foreign investments to their respective countries.

Ms Fama Fall from Senegal’s Directorate of Foreign Trade, Investment and Development, made the call in a presentation at the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) Technical Committee Council meeting in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised for member states to evaluate regional investment climate and share their knowledge of cross-border investment promotion and efforts.

It also aimed to focus on interrogating policy decisions that would attract both intra-ECOWAS and extra-ECOWAS investment flows, which would trigger subregional economic integration and development.

Fall, who first reviewed Senegal’s investment climate and investment policy reforms over the past three years, also highlighted its investment promotion, facilitation, monitoring, dispute settlement and bilateral agreement efforts.

She disclosed that Senegal’s foreign direct investment hit 2.58 billion dollars in 2022, and 2.64 billion dollars in 2023, when government deliberately put in place some measures to attract foreign investment.

According to her, the country’s strategic sectors include agriculture; information and communication technologies; construction; health; tourism; as well as oil and gas, which all have potential to attract more investment.

“France is the biggest investor in Senegal, but more and more, new investors are coming from other horizons.

“From China (peanuts, industrial products, public works, etc.); Turkey (public works); and the United Arab Emirates (mainly for gold), not to mention countries like Morocco, Indonesia and the United States of America.

“Senegal currently has seven officially-created SEZs (Special Economic Zones), three of which are operational and four under development,” she said.

Fall said the Senegalese government had also set up a legal framework to attract, enhance, facilitate, promote and monitor investments in the country.

She listed the legal frameworks as the Codes on Mining, Oil, Electricity, Customs, Building, General Tax, French Public Procurement, Local Content Law, Public-Private Partnerships.

Others include the ECOWAS Common Investment Code, ECOWAS Energy Protocol, Pan-African Investment Code, FTAA Protocol on Investment, and the Trade and Investment Agreement between the U.S. Government and ECOWAS.

“Senegal has signed several bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Turkey; India; Spain; France; Mauritius; Italy; Malaysia; South Africa; Qatar; Argentina; Republic of Korea; Tunisia; United States of America; Romania; United Kingdom; Netherlands; Sweden, Germany; Switzerland; Canada; Tunisia; and UNCTAD.

“It is important to note that the new FTAA Protocol on Investment provides for the lapse of all BITs between African countries as soon as the Protocol is adopted.

“On the other hand, BITs signed with non-African countries remain in force insofar as they are not incompatible with the provisions of the AfCFTA Investment Protocol,” Fall further said.

She explained that the latter’s provisions prevail in the event of conflict with BITs signed with countries that have now become third parties vis-à-vis African countries.

The Senegalese official recommended to member states some regional measures aimed at supporting investment promotion and attraction, such as the improvement of coordination and governance of investment management.

Fall suggested the publishing of an annual report on regional investment monitoring, with statistical data on investment flows in ECOWAS.

“Member countries should overhaul their investment governance, particularly with regard to coordination between administrative departments responsible for investment management.

“Each country should complete the “last mile” of transport infrastructure linking all ECOWAS countries.

“Member states should adopt a resolution for the holding of a mandatory ECIM ministerial meeting on the occasion of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court President, others hail retiring colleagues for impactful career
Foreign

ECOWAS Court President, others hail retiring colleagues for impactful career

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By Mark Longyen

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President, ECOWAS Court of Justice, and others, have commended the court’s officials, who are mandatorily retiring this year, for their impactful career and bequeathing indelible legacies.

Gonçalves stated this at a ceremony organised by the court in honour of four of its departing employees, who are retiring after many years of meritorious service to the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retiring staff are Dr Athanase Atannon, the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar and Dr William Towah, the Director of Administration and Finance.

Others are Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, the acting Head of the Court’s Communication Services, and Mr Iliyas Jonah, an Office Aide attached to a judge’s office.

The court’s president noted that all the retiring staffers made indelible impact on the institution and their office colleagues, stressing that it would be hard to replace them.

“Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution, both through your professional results and, above all, through the way you have left an impact on the people around you.

“Your wisdom and patience will continue to guide and inspire your colleagues. Your example and spirit of dedication will surely be a source of inspiration for many of us.

“The moment we share here today is also one of reflection. It is true that there is no one irreplaceable in this life but it will take years until we have someone with your experience and know-how,” he said.

Gonçalves further said that the road ahead might not be easy, particularly because their exit coincided with the difficult financial, social and security situation which ECOWAS was currently going through.

He said that in almost fifty years of its existence, for the first time, ECOWAS was faced, at one stroke, with the departure of three countries, with all the consequences that might result.

“However, we believe that our political decision-makers will know how to take advantage of this moment to carry out a profound reflection on the path taken and what is intended for our Community in the next fifty years.

“The path will still have challenges to be overcome, now focusing specifically on our Institution, if we consider that we will soon announce the recruitment competition for new employees.

“For this phase that is about to begin, it is our institution’s duty to firmly commit to excellence, rigor, and individual merit,” Gonçalves added.

Earlier in a remark of welcome, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s Chief Registrar, said the retiring employees made a lasting impact on the court and colleagues through their dedication, passion and hard work.

He urged everyone to reflect on the remarkable contributions, which the outgoing employees made throughout their career, especially the moments they shared, touched colleagues’ lives, wisdom imparted, and relationships built.

“Your influence has been immeasurable, and while we will certainly miss you in the office, we know this new chapter will bring you exciting adventures and much-deserved rest.

“Let’s make today a reflection of the joy and success you’ve brought to all of us, and let’s celebrate you, your achievements, your journey and all that lies ahead,” he said.

Mr Ghislain Agbozo, staff representative at the event, in a goodwill message, said that it was fitting that the conclusion of one’s career should be marked with both joy and gratitude.

He said that the significance of the ceremony was to enable them pay tribute and gratitude to their retiring colleagues.

Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, one of the retirees, said that he was happy to retire after about twenty years of contributing to the development of the court with great impact.

The court’s outgoing spokesman said that he witnessed the evolution of the court and its achievements, especially the role which the judges played in strengthening the rule of law, democracy and justice.

“My advice to the people we’re leaving behind is that they too should contribute to the court’s success, and to know that the time will come when they will also go for their retirement.

“We did what we could do best but because of budget constraints, there are so many things we could not do. But we hope that in the years coming, they will get the funds to extend our activities.

“My wish is that those three countries that withdrew from ECOWAS would come back to their senses and rejoin the other 12 member countries so that the region will be more interesting and attractive,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by prominent guests like the court’s Vice-President, Justice Sengu Koroma; Justice Gberi-Be Ouattara, and Justice Dupe Atoki, among others.

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job
Foreign

Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job

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By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, has urged members of the jury, who are assessing various entries submitted by journalists for ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary Media Excellence Award to do a thorough job.

Touray gave the charge at the opening ceremony and commencement of deliberations of the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025 Jury Deliberation Meeting, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with the theme: “50 Years of ECOWAS – Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” is the maiden edition of the awards.

He reminded the members that their inclusion in the jury was a testament to their dedication, expertise, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism in the subregion.

Represented by Mr Mambureh Njie, his Special Advisor on Economic Affairs, Touray said the awards were not mere accolades but part of a legacy, which ECOWAS was building for the next 50 years in West Africa.

“As you undertake this responsibility, I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of evaluation guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality and let merit lead the way.

“You should painstakingly assess and approach each entry with fairness, consistency and regional perspective to honour contributions that uphold ECOWAS’ shared values.

“Ethical responsibilities reward journalism rooted in truth and integrity. Excellence in craft recognises storytelling that informs, inspires and transforms,” he said.

Touray noted that over the last 50 years, the media had been a strong partner and pillar in ECOWAS’ journey toward promoting democracy, good governance, peace, security, and regional integration.

He said that as ECOWAS marked 50 years of existence, it was only proper to recognise and celebrate journalists who reported its challenges, championed its successes, and gave it a voice.

“The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award, launched as part of our golden jubilee celebration, is more than a recognition of journalistic achievement.

“It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, which promotes regional integration, democratic governance.

“One which promotes a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage,” he said.

Speaking earlier on behalf of other members, Mr Abdoulie Gassama, the chairman of the jury, promised to approach the task before them with diligence, impartiality, and deep respect for the work.

Gassama said that the responsibility of being tasked with recognising and celebrating journalists who demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and commitment to their craft was very significant.

“We all dedicated our careers to holding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, creativity, creative excellence, and impactful storytelling.

“The submissions we are about to review represent the best of media industry. They showcase the power of media to inform, inspire, and challenge.

“They demonstrate the dedication of journalists, producers, and content creators to bring important stories to the light, to foster dialogue, and to uphold power to account,” he said.

Gassama said that the core principles that would guide the jury’s assessment of the entries for the awards would be impact, integrity, innovation, accuracy, fairness, ethics and craftsmanship conduct.

Mr Joel Ahofodji, ECOWAS spokesman, in an opening remark, explained that the jury was responsible for examining, assessing, and selecting the best submissions in each category: television, radio, print, online, and photography.

He said that the jury would also ensure that selection process was fair, transparent, free of any conflict of interest, respect the confidentiality of the deliberations and suggest the modalities  for future regulations of the award.

NAN reports that the jury comprises Gassama from Gambia as chairman alongside Paul Douakoutche from Benin; Ms Filomena Silva from Cape Verde; and Mr Bamba Mafoumgbe from Ivory Coast as members.

Other members are Dr Ibrahim Awal from Ghana; Mrs Yemi Kolapo from Nigeria; Dr Adrienne Diop from Senegal, who is a former spokesperson of the ECOWAS Commission.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS @50: Activist on 50-day celebration journey arrives in Cotonou
Foreign

ECOWAS @50: Activist on 50-day celebration journey arrives in Cotonou

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By Mark Longyen

A Nigerian activist, Mr Bishir Dauda, who has embarked on a 50-day celebration road trip across West Africa to mark ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary on Tuesday, arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to foster subregional economic integration and political unity, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 28.

Dauda had earlier announced in an interview with NAN that the journey, which he intended to begin on April 1, was his unique way of celebrating ECOWAS’ golden jubilee.

The Pan-Africanist said in a statement from the country’s capital that his first port of call was the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s office, where he was received by officials on arrival.

He said that, thereafter, he had a robust interactive discussion with representatives of activists, youth groups, and ordinary citizens of the country, bordering on ECOWAS’ 50 years of achievements and challenges.

“Generally, the people commended ECOWAS for recording tangible achievements, especially in the areas of free movement of persons and goods, harmonisation of trade tariffs, boosting tourism, sporting events, humanitarian support, peace-keeping missions, and strengthening democracy and good governance.

“They also appreciate ECOWAS’ efforts in crises management within its member states, especially how it has been coping with the Sahel states, which recently withdrew their membership from the bloc,” he said.

Dauda stated that the Beninese citizens, however, identified some key challenges they perceived as threats to ECOWAS.

These, he said, include unconstitutional change of government, illegal tenure elongation by some West African heads of government and state, electoral fraud and irregularities, breaching ECOWAS treaties and protocols, lack of democracy, and weak governance in member-states.

Others are external manipulation, inadequate funding, and failure to achieve the ECOWAS Common Currency (ECO), among others.

“The people recommended that ECOWAS should continue to pursue policies and programmes that will strengthen unity and cooperation amongst its member states.

“They demanded that the launching of the ECO should be achieved by 2027 as promised by ECOWAS.

“The citizens also called on ECOWAS to continue pursuing dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, while urging the Sahel states to re-consider their decision, and return to ECOWAS, in the interest of African unity, cooperation and integration,” Dauda said.

Dauda further said that the citizens also recommended that ECOWAS should continue to uphold and enforce its Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and all other treaties.

He said they also called on ECOWAS to develop more programmes and initiatives targeting youth, women, and people with disabilities.

The activist said the citizens also wanted the ECOWAS Standby Force to become fully operational to address the major security threats facing West Africa, such as terrorism, insurgency, and several armed conflicts.

He said that many citizens supported ECOWAS’ gigantic projects, such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool.

“The community citizens have underscored the imperative of maintaining peace and enjoined stakeholders in West Africa to be ambassadors of peace.

“Many of the citizens have expressed their preference to a democratic system of government in which citizens have the power to choose or remove their leaders,” he said.

Dauda, the Executive Director, Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives, an NGO, says ECOWAS’ monumental achievements under 50 years amid formidable challenges motivated him to embark on the celebration solidarity journey. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS urges investment agencies to tap diaspora remittances
Foreign

ECOWAS urges investment agencies to tap diaspora remittances

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Investment Promotion Agencies of West Africa (IPAWAS) to explore the use of diaspora remittances for infrastructure development in their respective countries.

ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, made this call during a meeting of the IPAWAS Technical Committee in Abuja.

Elumelu said that West Africa’s huge infrastructure deficit could be addressed if regional investment agencies collaborated with government institutions to channel diaspora remittances into infrastructure projects.

“Leveraging these remittances could help bridge the region’s massive infrastructure gap, especially considering the increasing financial pressures on ECOWAS member states,” he said.

He highlighted that, according to World Bank records, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal received approximately 28 billion dollars in diaspora remittances in 2024.

“These three West African nations rank among the top ten recipients of diaspora remittances in Africa.

“This inflow has become a critical external funding source, surpassing both official development assistance and foreign direct investment”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GIZ, the German international development agency, also made a presentation at the meeting on unlocking sustainable development opportunities in West Africa.

GIZ emphasised the need for new strategic initiatives to enhance regional investment and cooperation and strengthening regional value chains to improve economic resilience.

The meeting was preceded by a capacity-building programme organised by ECOWAS for members of the IPAWAS Technical Committee.

Delegates and resource persons from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reviewed and adopted capacity-building modules and training schedules for ECOWAS member states.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

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By Mark Longyen

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to publicise the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament, particularly its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of the agency, made the pledge when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Ali expressed appreciation to the association’s officials for deeming it worthy to pay him a courtesy visit, stressing that as Africa’s biggest news content provider, NAN was home to all.

“For deeming it worthy to come and pay us this courtesy call, the agency is appreciative.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its goals, and raise awareness, like you said, about its activities.

“On our part, the News Agency of Nigeria, like you know, is Africa’s biggest news content provider,” he said.

According to the NAN Chief Executive Officer, the agency is the most authentic and biggest news hub in Africa, with a domineering influence and reach within the West African subregion.

“So, with an association like this, certainly in the News Agency of Nigeria, you find a soulmate, a fellow traveler.

“So, you’re welcome. We look forward to partnering and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home,” he said.

Speaking earlier, AWALCO President, Mr Innocent Odoh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek the collaboration and support of NAN, as the indisputable leader in terms of news credibility reportage, and viability.

He said that ECOWAS Parliament would be marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 16 and a series of activities had been lined up for it.

Odoh said that AWALCO, being the association of the parliament’s press corps, was fully involved in it by way of planning to give the occasion a media and publicity glitze.

He said this would help to propagate the ideals of ECOWAS in general, and ECOWAS Parliament in particular, and make the objectives of ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known globally, starting from the subregion.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications, in all dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other one.

“So, what we are doing is in line with the media advocacy that we are projecting for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.

“We can see that if the collaboration with NAN takes off as we planned it, I think it will go a long way in expanding the vision of the association,” he said.

The AWALCO president further said that the partnership would determine how the regional bloc is run, especially at a time  that so many things about ECOWAS needed to be interrogated.

“That is why we’re here, to seek that collaboration, to seek that support, how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of the Parliament understand what is happening around them.

“ECOWAS has a vision of 2050 but many people may not be aware of it, but collaborations like this can open up an opportunity for people to understand the vision of ECOWAS,” he added.

Mrs Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer, ECOWAS Parliament, who was part of the delegation, in a remark, extended greetings from ECOWAS Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN’s management.

She explained that AWALCO was her brain child and the parliament’s official press corps, which was created to reposition the parliament’s media coverage.

The spokesperson for the parliament said the association was beyond Nigeria, as its membership encompassed the entire West Africa, including even from member states that were threatening to exit or had already exited.

“Permit me at this juncture also to talk briefly about NAN and how NAN has been giving us coverage. It’s been a wonderful journey.

“So, as far as Nigeria is concerned, NAN is our first port of call, so we can express our appreciation of the work that we’ve done so far.

“I want to convey that we’re most grateful to have NAN very, very actively involved in the work of Parliament,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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