Abuja, Nigeria – March 2, 2025
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has reiterated the commitment of the regional bloc to fostering economic integration, stability, and development in West Africa. Speaking at the opening of the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Touray emphasized the need for member states to work together in overcoming the region’s challenges.
Touray highlighted issues such as economic instability, security concerns, and dwindling financial contributions from member nations as major obstacles to ECOWAS’s goals. He noted that community levies, which fund ECOWAS programs, have significantly declined in recent years, with only 40% of expected contributions received.
Despite these difficulties, Touray commended the democratic progress in some West African nations, citing successful elections in Liberia, Senegal, Togo, and Ghana. He urged all member states to uphold democratic values and strengthen regional cooperation to ensure peace and economic prosperity.
The session, chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, focused on key areas including trade, security, and agricultural development. ECOWAS officials discussed strategies to enhance regional trade, tackle cross-border security threats, and improve economic policies to benefit all member states.
In his remarks, Touray thanked Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in ECOWAS and for Nigeria’s continuous support in regional affairs. He also reassured member states that ECOWAS remains committed to its vision of a unified and prosperous West Africa.
As ECOWAS navigates the complexities of governance, security, and economic sustainability, Touray called for renewed commitment from all member nations. He emphasized that only through collective action and mutual support can West Africa overcome its challenges and achieve lasting growth and stability.
The session will continue over the next few days, with discussions expected to shape ECOWAS policies for the coming year.
