“ECOWAS Doing Everything Possible Mitigate Impacts of Sahel Exit” – ECOParl Speaker
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the impacts of the exit of Sahel members, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahim,, made the commitment while delivering her welcome speech at opening ceremony of the parliamentary seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament, celebrating the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, on Monday, March 3, 2025.
She emphasised the importance of the regional bloc’s continued progress, saying “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 are significant, but so too are the opportunities.”
Ibrahim highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions, saying they must be “responsive, inclusive, and effective.” She also emphasized the need to deepen economic integration, which she described as essential for building a brighter future for West Africa.
The pursuit of a single currency remains a top priority for ECOWAS, according to Ibrahim. She urged stronger collaboration among member states to address regional challenges, saying “we must work together to achieve lasting integration.”
Ibrahim addressed the recent exit of Sahel nations from ECOWAS, acknowledging its potential impact on integration efforts. However, she reassured member states that measures are being taken to mitigate setbacks. “We will continue to engage in deeper dialogue with the departing nations, and we will maintain bilateral relations with them,” Ibrahim said.
Senator Jibrin Barau, the first deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed optimism about the session’s outcomes, saying “I am confident that our deliberations will yield positive results and strengthen our region.”
He praised the dedication of parliamentarians to regional cooperation and policy harmonisation, saying “The National Parliament plays a vital role in fostering unity and development. Through collaborative efforts, we can strengthen our region and advance prosperity.”
Barau also commended the leadership of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, saying “Mr. President’s firm commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and democratic governance has been a beacon of inspiration for our member governments.”