Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain unwavering in defending constitutional order, promoting inclusive political dialogue, and supporting credible transitions that reinforce stability across the region.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu also emphasised the need to accelerate economic integration in West Africa and meet the aspirations of the region’s youth, who are increasingly looking to ECOWAS for opportunities and development.
Her words: “Recent years have witnessed political instability and a lack of inclusivity, including forceful unconstitutional changes of government, prolonged transitions, and governance uncertainties in several member states.
“These situations not only challenge the democratic values we uphold but also threaten hard-won development gains, weaken citizen confidence, and undermine the regional cohesion that has defined ECOWAS for half a century, ” she added.
She further highlighted the rise in military takeovers, banditry, and kidnappings as urgent challenges the regional body must confront head-on.
According to her, “We must remain steadfast in defending constitutional order, promoting inclusive political dialogue, and supporting credible transitions that reinforce stability.
”Our unity and collective resolve are essential in navigating these periods of uncertainty,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
On the economic front, the minister called for accelerated efforts toward deeper regional integration.
She also added, “At the heart of ECOWAS lies the aspiration for economic integration that delivers tangible benefits for our citizens.
”Interconnected infrastructure, increased mobility, and coordinated development were the ideals that inspired our founding fathers.
“Today, more than ever, we must deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen value chains, facilitate investments, and create opportunities for our over 400 million people, especially the youth, who make up roughly 65 percent of our population,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also reflected on ECOWAS’ ongoing golden jubilee celebrations.
She noted that the milestone offered an opportunity to appreciate five decades of achievements, including free movement, enhanced trade and economic frameworks, peacekeeping leadership, and cooperation in health, infrastructure, and security.
She urged ministers to ensure their insights and decisions shape recommendations to be presented to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Echoing her remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Timothy Kabba, who also chairs the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, underscored the importance of persistent integration efforts.
“We must foster an environment conducive to private sector growth, the principal driver of economic integration.
”While complex sovereignty issues may arise, the benefits are ultimately shared by all member states,” Kabba said.
He lamented the sub-region’s low levels of intra-regional trade and called for the revitalization of trade mechanisms, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and Investment Code.
Kabba further stressed improving transport and energy connectivity, addressing non-tariff barriers, modernizing border management, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to boost internal integration.
On security and political stability, Kabba emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation among member states.
“We must invest in peace and security initiatives through joint border operations, intelligence sharing, mediation, activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and support to member states facing threats.
Effective diplomacy, strategic leadership, political dialogue, military cooperation, and development assistance are key to addressing root causes and fostering long-term resilience,” he stated.
He urged ministers to reflect on the broader security and governance challenges facing the region and reaffirm their commitment to defending democracy, protecting institutions, and ensuring the aspirations of citizens for peace and development are upheld.
“Our region has endured too many disruptions to democratic order. Let us stand together in solidarity to defend transparency, democracy, and the people’s right to freely choose their leaders,” Kabba said.
