Akpabio urges ECOWAS Parliament to rekindle vision of prosperous West Africa
By Kunle Sanni
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew its commitment to the founding vision of unity, economic integration, and peace, calling for bold reforms to address shared regional challenges.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpabio delivered a keynote address titled “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa.” He challenged lawmakers to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward shaping the region’s future.
“As we gather here in Abuja, the beating heart of our great region, we must remind ourselves of the foundational vision of ECOWAS — a vision of a united, economically robust, and politically stable West Africa,” Akpabio said.
He called on parliamentarians to recommit to building a region where economies thrive, cultures flourish, and citizens enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity. “ECOWAS was never meant to be just a concept,” he said. “It was meant to be a clarion call — that our journey to greatness has just begun.”
Akpabio, who also chairs Nigeria’s National Assembly, acknowledged progress made but noted the region still struggles with economic instability, currency volatility, and political unrest. He emphasized that a unified regional currency remains a key aspiration, which requires strong fiscal discipline, monetary alignment, and mutual trust among member states.
“We must break free from outdated, fragmented approaches and embrace an integrated financial system that reflects the interconnectedness of our economies,” he said.
The Senate President also called for increased investment in industrialization, infrastructure, and small and medium-sized enterprises to transform the region into a productive economic force.
Addressing the worsening security situation, Akpabio urged deeper collaboration in combating terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime. He emphasized that political stability is essential for economic development and called for reforms to promote youth empowerment, education, and job creation.
“We must remain vigilant in defending our democratic institutions,” he said, stressing that root causes of instability — including inequality, tribalism, and poverty — must be addressed to secure lasting peace in the region.
