The event marked a significant gathering of ministers and delegates from member states across West Africa, reflecting the region’s commitment to regional integration and collaboration ahead of the Heads of State summit on Sunday.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing regional challenges and advancing common goals.
“You will be presented with a State of the Community Report, highlighting the socio-economic, security and political situation of our community and the contribution of ECOWAS institutions in addressing socio-economic, political and security issues affecting the region,” President Touray said. “As the demands increase and the challenges become more complex, our financial situation is dwindling.”
He went on: “Therefore, we will be highlighting some of the challenges associated with the Community Levy mobilisation. I must admit that some of these issues are recurring and would require urgent and decisive action to improve the financial situation of the institutions and enable ECOWAS to respond to the diverse demands of the day.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of ECOWAS Council Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar reiterated their commitment to the socio-economic development and peace of the region.
“As we convene for today’s session, we are reminded of the task before us and the efforts we are making to deliver tangible results for our people.”
Key dignitaries present included foreign ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from observer missions, underscoring the diplomatic importance of the occasion.
Central themes in the 92nd Ministerial Meeting will include economic cooperation, security challenges, and efforts towards sustainable development within the ECOWAS region.
The ministerial meeting precedes the ECOWAS Heads of State summit set to take place on Sunday.
