The 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers commenced in Abuja, with a strong emphasis on regional cooperation, economic integration, and tackling pressing challenges.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, opened the session by commending Nigeria for its hospitality and underscoring the significance of ECOWAS’s ongoing initiatives.
These include advancements in energy projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and the establishment of a renewable energy facility, which aim to boost energy access and sustainability in the region.
Economic integration remained a central theme. Tuggar and Touray stressed the importance of enhancing intra-regional trade, which currently stands at a low 12-13%.
The ministers highlighted instruments such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the regional investment code to tackle barriers and boost cross-border economic activities.
Ambassador Tuggar also announced plans for an economic forum in Lagos in early 2025 to showcase the region’s trade potential.
Significant progress in air transport was also discussed, with plans to harmonize charges across member states and reduce fees by 25%, aligning with international aviation standards.
Meanwhile, water resource policies and initiatives like the “Rice Offensive” aim to address food security and sustainable development, ensuring the region’s self-sufficiency in rice production by 2035.
Security challenges, including terrorism and drug trafficking, remain a pressing concern for ECOWAS.
Dr. Touray expressed disappointment over the recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger but reaffirmed the commitment to engage with these countries to restore unity.
Both speakers emphasized the need for collaboration among member states to address these complex issues.
The session also celebrated regional achievements in democracy, with peaceful transitions in Liberia and Ghana as examples of political stability. The election of Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth was hailed as a milestone for the region, highlighting her contributions to ECOWAS over the years.
Despite notable achievements, Dr. Touray pointed out the declining remittance of the Community Levy, which has hindered ECOWAS’s programmes.
He called on member states to increase their financial contributions and support local private sector investments to mobilize regional resources effectively.
The session concluded with a collective call for renewed commitment to ECOWAS’s objectives.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the council’s deliberations would yield impactful results for the region.
The is hosted by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Council, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
The two-day session highlighted the collective responsibilities of member states in fostering growth and stability within the region.
