West African leaders gathered in Abuja to discuss regional integration, economic growth, and cooperation at the landmark ECOWAS meeting
On 12-13 December 2024, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, HE Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, welcomed delegates to Abuja for the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Held under the chairmanship of Nigeria, the session reaffirmed the region’s commitment to fostering cooperation and economic integration among member states.
In his opening statement, Ambassador Tuggar, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration to address economic and trade challenges. Discussions focused on improving intra-regional trade, which remains significantly low at 12%-13%, and leveraging instruments such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the ECOWAS Investment Code to unlock economic potential.
The Minister announced plans to lead a sensitisation programme in Lagos in early 2025, showcasing the region’s economic opportunities. This initiative aims to encourage cross-border trade and investment, with participants set to inspect factories producing goods under the ETLS framework. Ambassador Tuggar urged other member states to adopt similar measures to enhance economic cooperation within the bloc.
The session also served as a farewell for Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who is transitioning to her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Hon. Botchwey was commended for her leadership and significant contributions to ECOWAS during her tenure.
The meeting concluded with optimism as leaders reaffirmed their dedication to addressing challenges through constructive dialogue and enhanced regional cooperation. Ambassador Tuggar expressed confidence that the Council’s deliberations would result in actionable recommendations for the Heads of State and Government, propelling the region toward prosperity.
