During the two weeks session, the Parliament, which is celebrating 25 years of existence, will consider critical agenda items, including reports from earlier meetings, the Ecowas Commission President’s update on Community activities, proposed community acts, and country reports from member states delegations.
The session will also feature interactive sessions with heads of other Ecowas institutions.
Memounatou Ibrahim, the Speaker of the Ecowas Parliament, expressed gratitude to the Government and People of Nigeria, particularly President Tinubu, for their continued support to Ecowas institutions and for facilitating the Parliament’s temporary move to the National Assembly in 2024.
She also acknowledged the presence and contribution of other Ecowas institutions, noting the cooperation among regional bodies in advancing integration.
Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the Ecowas Commission, confirmed that following a directive by the Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2024, an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting was held in Accra, Ghana, in April to draft a contingency and negotiation plan for the withdrawal. Direct talks with the three countries are set to commence this week.
Touray emphasized that Ecowas remains committed to ensuring that the separation process doesn’t harm citizens.
On Ecowas Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Ecowas Commission head said the celebrations will continue with a major event in Lagos on May 28, where Ecowas was founded in 1975. Former Nigerian Head of State, one of the founding fathers of Ecowas, is expected to attend.
President of the Nigeria Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, also joined previous speakers in advocating greater unity, economic reform, and political stability.
Speaking under the theme “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa”, Senator Akpabio urged member states to renew their commitment to regional integration and shared prosperity.
He called for urgent action to address currency volatility, inflation, and limited intra-regional trade. He reiterated the need for a common regional currency and stronger support for industrialization, small and medium enterprises, and infrastructure development.
Other goodwill messages were also delivered by Dr William Towah of Ecowas Court of Justice, and Joao Alage Mamadu Fadia, the Auditor General of Ecowas Institutions, who both expressed their continued determination to work with the Community Parliament to advance the shared vision.
