By Our Reporter
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memunatu Ibrahima, has called on West African lawmakers to translate regional agreements into measurable outcomes as the First Ordinary Session of 2026 concluded in Abuja.
In her closing address, the Speaker urged Parliament to respond decisively to the political, economic and security challenges facing the region, while reinforcing its oversight responsibility in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The session followed a three-day parliamentary seminar dedicated to AfCFTA, where members assessed both the opportunities and implementation hurdles associated with the continental trade framework.
While acknowledging the transformative potential of the agreement, the Speaker noted that concerns persist among member states. She pointed to non-tariff barriers, delays in harmonising legal frameworks, infrastructural deficits, and the risk of marginalising women, youth and informal cross-border traders.
According to her, such reservations should not be interpreted as resistance to regional integration, but rather as a demand for practical, inclusive and carefully phased implementation. She stressed that AfCFTA’s success depends on deliberate collaboration with member states and economic actors, not mere declarations.
Highlighting Parliament’s mandate as the representative voice of West African citizens, the Speaker outlined a three-pronged agenda: championing the ratification and enforcement of AfCFTA protocols, ensuring national policies align with regional commitments, and increasing public awareness about opportunities within the integrated market.
She emphasised that effective parliamentary oversight must underpin transparent and inclusive integration.
During the session, lawmakers approved the Parliament’s 2026 Programme of Activities, anchored on four priorities — Citizen Participation, Institutional Strengthening, Peace and Governance, and Facilitation. The Speaker described the programme as a strategic pathway toward building a more citizen-focused Parliament.
Members also adopted the 2026 programme of ECOFEPA, the network of women parliamentarians within ECOWAS, describing it as a significant move toward strengthening gender inclusion in regional development.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Nigeria for hosting the session, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the hospitality extended to delegates. She also acknowledged the presence of sister institutions, including the ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, as a reflection of regional solidarity.
Addressing broader regional realities — fragile political transitions, insecurity, economic vulnerabilities and climate pressures — the Speaker warned against weakening integration efforts. She maintained that unity remains the region’s strongest safeguard.
She concluded by formally declaring the First Ordinary Session of 2026 closed, urging lawmakers to ensure that the resolutions adopted in Abuja result in tangible reforms, inclusive policies and meaningful progress across member states.
