“Nigeria, other nations must seek policies that benefit citizens” – ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has urged governments and regional institutions to pursue policies that deliver clear economic benefits to citizens and businesses across West Africa.

Speaker of the parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a briefing marking the legislature’s 25th anniversary.

Ibrahima, who was represented at the event by Kabir Garba, said regional cooperation should go beyond political commitments and begin to translate into real opportunities for people and businesses across the region.

ECOWAS is a regional bloc of 15 West African countries established to promote economic cooperation and integration. Its parliament, headquartered in Abuja, serves as the legislative arm of the organisation and mainly provides advisory input on policies affecting member states.

Speaking at the event, Ibrahima said stronger collaboration with the private sector would help boost trade, encourage innovation and create jobs across West Africa.

“As the private sector across the region continues to expand its role in various sectors, ECOWAS institutions remain critical partners in shaping an integrated and prosperous regional economy,” she said.

She noted that the parliament also works to involve citizens in the regional integration process, strengthen democratic governance and promote economic cooperation among member states.

According to her, partnerships with businesses and development organisations will be important in addressing trade barriers, supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs.

“Regional integration requires collaboration that goes beyond public institutions. We are partnering with private sector actors whose expertise in trade facilitation, SMEs development, women’s empowerment and youth innovation aligns with our objectives,” she said.

Also, in commemoration of its 25th anniversary, the ECOWAS Parliament said it plans to organise a series of programmes across several West African countries in partnership with private organisations.

The initiatives will be organised with groups including Borderless Trade and Investment and Duchess Nigeria Limited.

Events are expected to take place in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo and Sierra Leone. They will focus on entrepreneurship, youth innovation and cross-border trade.

Managing Partner of Borderless Trade and Investment, Olori Doye, said the organisation would support programmes aimed at strengthening economic cooperation in the region.

“We are committed to contributing to efforts designed to shape ECOWAS milestones at 25,” she said.

A representative of Duchess Nigeria Limited, Victoria Akai, said several private sector groups, including financial institutions, had expressed interest in participating in the anniversary activities.

She explained that the programmes would include youth innovation contests, forums for small businesses, initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs and civic awareness campaigns across West Africa.

One of the key programmes is the ECOWAS Smart Challenge, a competition designed to encourage young innovators from member states to develop business ideas. Winners from national contests will compete in a regional final scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana.

The ECOWAS Parliament was established in 2000 to give citizens of member states representation in regional decision-making. However, the body currently plays mainly an advisory role in the policy process of the regional bloc.