Raphael Oni
The ECOWAS Parliament has kicked off its First Extraordinary Session with a call to deepen regional integration and expand intra-community trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The call is a major push for regional integration, to deepen economic cooperation and expand intra-community trade .
Delivering the opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu represented by Ambassador Nonyelum Afoekelu, Head, ECOWAS National Unit Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need for West Africa to consolidate its integration agenda, strengthen institutional coherence, and respond to emerging challenges. She commended the ECOWAS Parliament’s leadership, particularly Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahim, for convening the session.
The Ambassador highlighted the AfCFTA’s potential to boost regional trade, citing ECOWAS’ existing Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) as a foundation for integration. She urged parliamentarians to promote AfCFTA implementation, harmonize trade legislation, and exercise oversight to ensure Member States leverage opportunities
The session’s theme, “Deepening Regional Integration through AfCFTA,” addresses pressing issues like insecurity, climate change, and transnational challenges hindering intra-community trade. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the ECOWAS Parliament’s pivotal role in bridging regional commitments and national implementation.
Speaker Hadja Mémounatou IBRAHIMA emphasized the need for concrete results, saying the session marks the beginning of a legislative year aimed at delivering for over 400 million citizens across West Africa. She highlighted the region’s strengths, including macroeconomic harmonisation and innovative systems, but lamented that intra-regional trade remains below 10% and most countries export raw materials with limited local value addition.
Lawmakers are urged to harmonise legal frameworks, dismantle non-tariff barriers, and ensure inclusive policies, particularly for women, youth, and SMEs. The Parliament’s strategic priorities for 2026 include consolidating democracy, strengthening peace and security cooperation, and advancing women’s leadership [2].
Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, emphasized that deeper integration is critical for West Africa to compete globally, warning that fragmentation could marginalise the region. He called for practical implementation of AfCFTA commitments, including harmonised standards and digital trade infrastructure.
The event brings together dignitaries, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and AfCFTA representatives. The session is expected to yield practical outcomes, shaping West Africa’s economic future
