ECOWAS Ministers Open Summit with Strong Call for Democracy, Security, and Regional Integration. By Raymond Enoch
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Wednesday welcomed delegates to the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, declaring the meeting open with a resounding call for renewed commitment to democratic governance, regional solidarity, and collective security across West Africa.
Addressing theCouncil in Session, and members of the diplomatic community at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, Ambassador Bianca conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their steadfastness in advancing the ECOWAS vision of peace, security, and shared prosperity.
She noted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, a milestone that reflects five decades of progress in free movement, economic integration, peacekeeping, agriculture, and sector-wide cooperation. These achievements, she said, reaffirm the founders’ ambitions and inspire “renewed ambition for a peaceful and prosperous region.”
But the Minister was equally frank about the region’s vulnerabilities. She cited persistent governance deficits, prolonged transitions, and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, stressing that these trends jeopardize democratic gains and regional development. Ambassador Bianca urged Member States to intensify collective action to defend constitutional order, deepen inclusive dialogue, and support credible transitions.
On economic integration, she reaffirmed that it remains the engine of ECOWAS’s long-term vision, calling for stronger regional value chains, expanded trade, and enhanced opportunities for West Africa’s youth. She further emphasized that the ministers’ deliberations spanning governance, agriculture, security, humanitarian affairs, and institutional reforms must yield “actionable, forward-looking outcomes capable of restoring citizens’ confidence in ECOWAS.”
In a remarkable presentation during the Session, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, outlined key priorities before the Council — including the annual work programme, budget performance, community levy updates, and institutional quality assurance.
Dr. Touray highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional resilience, counterterrorism financing, and resource mobilization to support Member States on the frontlines of insecurity.
He announced the establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council, naming Africa’s foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its inaugural chair — a move expected to deepen public-private dialogue and attract greater investments within the region.
On energy cooperation, the ECOWAS President raised concern over the financial instability in the West African Power Pool (WAPP), driven by mounting debts owed by national electricity companies. He called for collective responsibility to safeguard regional power interconnectivity and ensure long-term sustainability.
Chair of the Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Timothy Kabba, reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to ECOWAS integration ideals established since the 1975 Treaty of Lagos.
He condemned recent unconstitutional changes of government in the region — including the latest coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau — praising ECOWAS’s unified response and urging sustained pressure on transition regimes to restore democratic order.
Kabba also called for greater investment in regional security architecture, improved intra-ECOWAS trade, and more effective utilization of existing trade agreements.
As the 95th Ordinary Session commenced, he encouraged delegates to engage constructively, reiterating the bloc’s determination to uphold democracy, accelerate economic transformation, and fortify regional stability.
The Abuja session continues with high expectations for decisive recommendations ahead of the next ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting.
