By Omonu YG Nelson
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is set to hold its 2024 third Extra-Ordinary session and Second Parliamentary Seminar from September 24 to October 3, 2024, in Lomé, Togo.
This crucial meeting brings together representatives from 15 West African countries to discuss key regional issues.
>Budget Review and Planning:
The session will examine the level of implementation of the Parliament’s 2023 budget as well as the mid-term budget for the 2024 financial year. “This review is crucial in ensuring that our budget aligns with the region’s development goals,” said a statement from communications duvision of the sub-regional Parliament.
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Additionally, the session will consider and adopt the Community Parliament’s 2025 draft budget. “We must prioritise strategic planning to drive economic growth and development in our region,” emphasised the statement.
>Capacity Building for New Legislature:
A parliamentary orientation seminar on the functioning of Parliament for Members of the new Sixth Legislature will precede the Extra-Ordinary session. The objective is to improve understanding of ECOWAS institutions and equip Members with necessary information to fully represent the people of the sub-region.
“The seminar will enable our new Members to hit the ground running, making informed decisions that benefit our citizens,” said the statement.
>Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion:
On the sidelines of these events, the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) will organise a symposium on “Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment” on October 1, 2024. This forum aims to address the challenges women face in accessing financial services and promote economic empowerment.
“Financial inclusion is critical to unlocking women’s potential and driving regional development,” said ECOFEPA’s Chairperson.
>About ECOWAS Parliament:
The ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is one of the Institutions of ECOWAS. It is the Assembly of Peoples of the Community serving as a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus for Representatives of the people of West Africa with the aim of promoting integration. It was established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993. The initial Protocol establishing the Parliament was signed in Abuja on August 6, 1994.
The sub-regional institution consists of 115 seats, with each Member State guaranteed a minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are distributed based on population:
– Nigeria: 35 seats
– Ghana: 8 seats
– Côte d’Ivoire: 7 seats
– Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal: 6 seats each
– Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo: 5 seats each.
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