ECOWAS Parliament 25 Years celebration launches regional programme across seven countries to boost trade, democracy and citizen engagement

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, on Thursday announced a year-long programme to commemorate ECOWAS Parliament 25 Years of legislative service across West Africa.

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Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima made the announcement in Abuja, Nigeria, during a news conference held to outline activities marking the parliament’s silver jubilee.

The programme will run from January to November across seven member states.

The countries selected for the commemorative activities include Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo and Sierra Leone.

Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima spoke through the Director of Parliamentary Affairs and Research at the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Kabeer Garba, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Speaker.

The Speaker said the initiative was designed to bring the regional legislature closer to citizens and showcase the institution’s impact on democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima said the parliament had worked steadily over the past 25 years to strengthen democratic consolidation, encourage regional trade and promote the inclusion of women and young people in governance.

Rather than organising a single ceremonial gathering, the ECOWAS Parliament opted for a broader programme that would highlight tangible achievements across several countries.

Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima said the parliament was formally established on November 16, 2000, in Bamako, Mali, and first marked its anniversary in November 2025.

The milestone was later commemorated during the parliament’s second ordinary session held in Abuja in December 2025.

The Speaker said the ongoing programme would expand public awareness of the regional institution and its role in advancing integration within West Africa.

Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima noted that many citizens across the region remained unaware of opportunities created by initiatives such as the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.

The Speaker said sustained public engagement was necessary to ensure that citizens and businesses take advantage of the opportunities available within the regional bloc.

Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima added that the Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament would coordinate the implementation of the anniversary activities with authorised partners including Duchess N. Limited, CMD Tourism and Trade Enterprise, and Borderless Trade and Investment.

The Chief Executive Officer of Duchess Naturals Limited, Victoria Akai, said the private sector was honoured to support the milestone celebration of the regional parliament.

Victoria Akai said the activities would complement the parliament’s efforts to deepen economic cooperation and public awareness across West Africa.

Victoria Akai also recalled that the Economic Community of West African States was founded on May 28, 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos to promote economic integration, cooperation and self reliance among member states.

The Managing Partner of Borderless Trade and Investment, Olori Boye Ajayi, said the anniversary programme would bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, youth groups and civil society organisations.

Olori Boye Ajayi said activities would include business forums, pilot trade corridor initiatives, youth innovation competitions and civic awareness campaigns across participating countries.

One of the standout initiatives will be the ECOWAS Smart Challenge, where young innovators will compete in national contests leading to a regional finale scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana.

Cultural festivals celebrating West African fashion, film, literature, music and cuisine will also form part of the programme, highlighting the shared heritage and diversity of the region.

The anniversary activities will conclude with a closing ceremony in Abuja in November, featuring a gala evening and reflections on the future of regional integration.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Global Trade and Structured Finance at Providus Bank, Mr Biodun Ariyo, said trade remained a powerful driver of economic growth and regional collaboration.

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Biodun Ariyo said stronger financial networks and cross-border partnerships would help expand access to trade finance and unlock new opportunities for businesses across West Africa.