Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged parliamentarians of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew their pledge to build a united West Africa during the opening of the 2025 First Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his keynote address titled "One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa," Akpabio called on regional lawmakers to seize the opportunity to strengthen unity and cooperation among member states.
"ECOWAS was never meant to be a concept; it was meant to be a clarion call to every West African – that our journey to greatness has just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region," Akpabio stated.
The Senate President, who also serves as Chairman of Nigeria's National Assembly, emphasized the importance of addressing current challenges facing the region, particularly economic stability and security concerns.
"The strength of any economic community lies in its ability to foster trade, attract investment, and create prosperity for its people. However, currency volatility, inflation, economic disparities, and the pressures of global financial markets continue to hinder the full realization of our collective potential," he noted.
Akpabio highlighted the potential benefits of a unified regional currency, describing it as "a cornerstone of our economic ambitions" that could simplify trade, reduce transaction costs, and enhance global competitiveness for West African businesses.
He called for bold economic reforms and a transition from "outdated, fragmented approaches" to "a truly integrated financial system that reflects the realities of our interconnected economies."
On security challenges, the Senate President stressed that "economic stability cannot flourish without political stability," referencing threats from terrorism, insurgency, political unrest, and organized crime in parts of the region.
"We must remain vigilant in defending our democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in every corner of our region," Akpabio urged.
He also emphasized the need to address root causes of instability, including unemployment, inequality, tribalism, and lack of education, stating that "it is often in the shadows of despair that extremism takes root."
In her opening address, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima from Togo, noted that despite being relatively young at 25 years, the regional parliament has continued to expand its influence on West African politics.
Ibrahima reminded members that the upcoming Silver Jubilee of the ECOWAS Parliament scheduled for November should serve as a reminder that "integration is not inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must constantly cultivate and re-invent."
The 2025 First Session of the ECOWAS Parliament brings together lawmakers from across the West African region to deliberate on issues affecting regional integration, economic development, and political stability.
