Mrs. Memunatu Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has urged West African lawmakers to move beyond policy declarations and take concrete steps that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
At the conclusion of the First Ordinary Session of 2026 on Friday in Abuja, she highlighted the political, economic, and security challenges facing the region, stressing the need for stronger parliamentary oversight and effective implementation of agreements under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
While acknowledging AfCFTA’s potential to boost economic transformation and intra-African trade, Mrs. Ibrahima noted ongoing concerns, such as non-tariff barriers, slow harmonization of legal frameworks, infrastructure gaps, and the risk of excluding women, youth, and informal cross-border traders. She argued that these challenges should motivate inclusive implementation rather than hinder regional integration.
The Speaker emphasized the Parliament’s role in championing ratification and execution of AfCFTA protocols, ensuring national policies align with regional commitments, and raising awareness of trade opportunities among citizens and businesses.
During the session, lawmakers approved the Parliament’s 2026 Programme of Activities, which focuses on citizen participation, institutional strengthening, peace and governance, and trade facilitation—seen as a roadmap toward a more citizen-oriented Parliament.
Additionally, the Parliament endorsed ECOFEPA’s 2026 program, the network of women parliamentarians in ECOWAS, aimed at promoting gender inclusion in regional development.
Mrs. Ibrahima expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, Nigerians, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for hosting and welcoming delegates. She also stressed that ongoing political transitions, security threats, economic vulnerabilities, and climate pressures require deeper regional cooperation, asserting that unity is crucial for stability and growth.
She then officially closed the First Ordinary Session of 2026.