Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to recommit themselves to the ideals of regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.
He also implored all the countries in ECOWAS to remove trade barriers by ensuring free movement in the West African corridor and build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but is also inclusive and equitable, as well as a region where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.
He said the anniversaries are testaments to the vision, resilience, and collective will of the people of West Africa to build a united, prosperous, and peaceful region.
“We must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. We must deepen economic integration by removing barriers to trade, investment, and the free movement of people.
“We should promote peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering dialogue and reconciliation. We must also empower our youth by investing in education, innovation, and job creation.
“We should also address climate change by adopting sustainable practices and building resilient communities,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said he is particularly proud of the role Lagos has played in the ECOWAS journey, noting that “As the economic and cultural hub of West Africa, Lagos has long been a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunity. Our state has served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for.
“Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and improve the lives of our people. We recognise that the challenges we face—whether in security, economic development, or climate change—require collective action and shared solutions.
“Lagos stands ready to collaborate with ECOWAS and its member states to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of our region,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the seminar, ‘ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament toward Attaining Regional Integration Achievements,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said the two regional organisations have shaped the destiny of West Africa.
He said: “From fostering economic cooperation to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic governance, ECOWAS has proven to be a beacon of hope and progress. The establishment of the ECOWAS Parliament in the year 2000 further strengthened this vision by providing a platform for dialogue, representation, and the advancement of regional policies. Today, ECOWAS stands as a shining example of what is possible when nations come together in pursuit of a common goal.
“The ECOWAS Parliament, as the voice of the people, has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional agenda. Over the past 25 years, it has championed the cause of integration, advocated for the rights of citizens, and provided a forum for addressing the challenges facing our region. From promoting free movement and trade to supporting peacekeeping missions and electoral processes, the Parliament has been at the forefront of our collective efforts to build a stronger, more united West Africa.”
Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, said ECOWAS had achieved a lot in 50 years in many sectors, including economic and peacekeeping.
She said celebrating the Golden Jubilee of ECOWAS in Lagos was important to highlighting the significant role of the state as the host for the Treaty of Lagos.
In his address, the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the Community had ensured cooperation, dialogue, and economic prosperity.
He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for hosting the celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos. He also commended the Governor for several infrastructural projects of his administration in different sectors.