Abuja, Nigeria (December 13, 2023) – The 2023 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament concluded today in Abuja, Nigeria, marking the culmination of three weeks of intense debate, collaboration, and reflection.
The session, held under the theme “Building a Resilient and Sustainable ECOWAS Community in a Challenging Global Environment,” saw Members of Parliament tackle crucial issues affecting the region, while showcasing regional solidarity and a commitment to progress.
The following are the Key Highlights:
Opening Ceremony: The session kicked off with a call for stronger regional unity and democratic consolidation, echoing the aspirations of the entire ECOWAS community.
Budgetary Focus: The Administration and Finance Committee presented a draft consolidated Community budget for 2024, prioritizing key areas while ensuring responsible fiscal management. Notably, the Community Parliament’s budget received a modest increase, reflecting its growing role in regional governance.
Committee Work: Ten critical referrals kept Members engaged during committee meetings, ranging from combating wildlife trafficking to establishing a regional electricity market fee. These discussions aimed to translate policy aspirations into concrete action plans.
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State of the Community: The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, delivered a hopeful report, highlighting the region’s resilience amidst political, security, and economic challenges. A significant announcement was the pledge of $6.7 million in support for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the countries most affected by terrorism.
Country Reports: This vital exercise facilitated an exchange of information and allowed the Parliament to assess the implementation of Community texts and programs across member states. This transparency is crucial for ensuring accountability and driving collective progress.
Interactive Workshops: Members delved into crucial topics like international migration, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and domestic revenue mobilization. These workshops fostered knowledge sharing and the development of innovative solutions for the region’s challenges. In view of the above, the Parliament interfaced with Organisations such as International Organisation for Migration (IOM), West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF); Friends of the Earth (FoEA).
Conclusively, the 2023 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament served as a powerful reminder of the region’s potential for resilience, collaboration, and progress. As the sixth legislature prepares to take the helm, the lessons learned and commitments forged during this session will undoubtedly guide the community towards a brighter future. The challenges remain, but the spirit of unity and determination displayed by the Parliament offers a beacon of hope for a stronger, more prosperous ECOWAS.
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