Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The 1st Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 commenced in Lagos on Monday, March 3, with a seminar themed “ECOWAS @50 & Parliament @25: Reflections of the Community Parliament Towards Attaining Regional Integration.”
In her opening address, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahim, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to economic integration among member states.
“As we reflect on the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also look to the future with renewed determination. The challenges we face ard significant, but do too are the opportunities.
“To build a brighter future for West Africa, we must: strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective; and deepen economic integration,” the Speaker stated.
She emphasised that the pursuit of a single currency remains a top priority and urged stronger collaboration to address regional challenges.
Addressing the recent exit of Sahel nations (Burkinafaso, Mali and Niger) from ECOWAS, Ibrahim acknowledged its potential impact on integration efforts but reassured member states that measures are being taken to mitigate setbacks.
She stressed that shared regional ties remain unchanged and called for deeper dialogue with the departing nations.
She also reiterated ECOWAS’s willingness to maintain bilateral relations with them.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of the seminar in fostering discussions on regional challenges and translating recommendations into actionable policies that promote peace and stability.
She urged all member states to remain committed to the objectives of ECOWAS and work together to achieve lasting integration.
In his keynote address, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, emphasized the resilience and collective will of the people in shaping Ecowas into a dynamic regional organization.
“Ecowas has developed from a bold idea into a dynamic regional organization. Ecowas has proven to be a become of hope,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu.
He commended the Parliament for its continued efforts in advancing peace, security and unity within the region.
As Lagos remains a key commercial city, he promised that his State will continue to collaborate with Ecowas to realize its goals.
He also used the session to advocate more investment in the development of the younger generation, through education and job creation.
Senator Jibrin Barau, the first deputy speaker of the Ecowas Parliament, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Lagos for hosting the session and emphasised his optimism about the session’s outcomes.
He also commended the exemplary leadership of the President of the Federal Government and Chairman of the U.S. Authority on the Health of States and Government.
“Mr. President’s firm commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and democratic governance has been a beacon of inspiration for our member governments,” Jibrin stated.
Addressing his fellow parliamentarians, Jibrin praised their dedication to regional cooperation and policy harmonisation.
“The National Parliament plays a vital role in fostering unity and development. Through collaborative efforts, we can strengthen our region and advance prosperity,” he stated.
The session is expected to provide a platform for policymakers to assess progress and strategise on strengthening the regional bloc amid emerging challenges.
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