Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently called on ECOWAS members to enhance regional integration.
By prioritizing collaboration, they can foster unity, peace, and prosperity across West Africa.
This approach, he emphasized, will address shared challenges while advancing economic growth. Strengthening ties now ensures lasting stability and collective progress for the region.
During Friday’s ECOWAS Parliament seminar opening, he emphasized removing trade barriers and boosting free movement to advance collective growth.
ECOWAS celebrated its 50th anniversary and the Parliament’s 25th year at Lagos’ Continental Hotel, marking regional unity and legislative progress.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted these milestones, emphasizing West African nations’ resilience, vision, and collective drive toward shared progress.
He prioritized institutional strength, economic integration, security, youth empowerment via education and jobs, and sustainable climate practices to address pressing challenges.
“We must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. Economic integration must be deepened by removing barriers to trade, investment, and the free movement of people,” he said. “We should also promote peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering reconciliation. Additionally, empowering our youth and addressing climate change are critical to building resilient communities.”
The Governor highlighted Lagos State’s pivotal role in advancing ECOWAS’ mission, describing it as the economic and cultural hub of West Africa. He noted that Lagos has long served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in the region.
“Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and improve the lives of our people.
“We understand security, economic, and climate challenges demand collective action. Therefore, Lagos commits to collaborating with ECOWAS and member states to unlock our region’s potential,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
Speaking at the seminar themed ‘ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections toward Regional Integration,’ he praised ECOWAS for advancing economic cooperation, mediating conflicts, and promoting democracy. Notably, he emphasized its peacekeeping efforts, which have profoundly shaped West Africa’s progress.
“The ECOWAS Parliament, as the voice of the people, has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional agenda. Over the past 25 years, it has championed integration, advocated for citizens’ rights, and addressed challenges facing our region,” he said. “From promoting free movement and trade to supporting peacekeeping missions and electoral processes, the Parliament has been at the forefront of efforts to build a stronger, more united West Africa.”
The Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, also commended ECOWAS’ achievements over its 50-year history. She noted progress in sectors such as economic development and peacekeeping while highlighting Lagos’ historical significance as the host city for the Treaty of Lagos, which established ECOWAS in 1975.
Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, also addressed attendees. He lauded ECOWAS for fostering cooperation and economic prosperity in the region.
Senator Jibrin thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for hosting the landmark celebration, praising his administration’s infrastructural strides across Lagos State.
During the seminar, regional leaders and policymakers convened to assess ECOWAS’ 50-year journey and strategize deeper integration. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized Lagos’ ongoing commitment to advancing ECOWAS’ vision, fostering a united West Africa where citizens thrive.