The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for member states to deepen their commitment to regional integration, as the ECOWAS community commemorates its golden jubilee.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, underscored the Parliament’s dedication to regional unity, economic progress, and parliamentary cooperation.

She said the event was not only a moment for celebration but also a reminder of the shared responsibility towards building a stronger and more inclusive community.

Reflecting on the Parliament’s accomplishments over the last two and a half decades, Ibrahima highlighted its contributions in resolving political crises, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting socio-economic integration across the sub-region.

She paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS and urged current leaders to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration and cooperation, stressing that while progress has been made, numerous challenges remain.

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She said, “We must celebrate our victories in an inclusive manner alongside other sister ECOWAS institutions. This silver jubilee that we are celebrating must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must 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,” she added.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, emphasised the need for deeper cooperation between the Court and Parliament in promoting justice, legal reform, and regional peace.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, William Deiyan Towah, Gonçalves said, “The year 2025, which marks the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, presents an opportunity for us to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and justice.”

He identified human rights promotion, judicial independence, and legal harmonisation as key areas for enhanced collaboration, stressing the need for a united front to deliver on the objectives of the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

He said, “The ECOWAS Parliament must continue to uphold the noble ideals upon which it was founded and to work towards promoting regional integration, peace, and prosperity,” Gonçalves added.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emphasized the need for purposeful leadership in facing current and emerging challenges.

Speaking about the vision of the founding fathers, he urged leaders to embrace a united West Africa that is driven by innovation, dignity, and economic strength.

He said, “Our tongues may differ, but our vision must be shared. Peace must endure, prosperity that should be inclusive, and progress that must uplift every child, every woman, and every community within our sub-region”.

Commenting on the recent decision by three ECOWAS member states to withdraw from the community, Akpabio said, “I wish them well, and I pray that the leadership of those three countries will reconsider their decisions in order to ensure that West Africa continues to thrive as one.”

He reiterated the need for economic reforms and regional financial integration, especially in the pursuit of a common currency.

“The promise of a united regional currency, a cornerstone of our economic ambitions, holds great potential for simplifying trade, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing the global competitiveness of various businesses in West Africa.”

However, Akpabio warned that economic integration requires “fiscal discipline, monetary coordination, robust financial infrastructure, and mutual economic trust.”

Touching on security concerns, the Senate President called for collective action to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to political stability.

He stressed the need to address root causes of instability such as youth unemployment, inequality, and lack of education.

Akpabio further urged ECOWAS to be more assertive in international forums and to champion the threats and interests of our people in global trade, finance, and climate negotiations.