Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, is conducting a technical session aimed at establishing an Economic and Social Council of West Africa (ECOWAS-ECOSOC). The session commenced on June 26, 2025, in Niger State, Nigeria.
According to African Press Organization, the two-day meeting gathers officials from relevant ECOWAS Departments, Directorates, and Divisions, along with consultants and partners. The focus is on building upon previous consultations, contributing to efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, enhancing peace and security, and fostering political stability and participatory governance within the region.
In his opening remarks, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized the goal of the ECOWAS-ECOSOC. He stated that it should serve as a bridge to interface with decision-makers while also acting as an influential organ for citizen engagement.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from ECOWAS Commission’s partners, including the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. Participants at the meeting are set to examine the justification for ECOSOC, membership and eligibility criteria, structure, and sustainability.
A well-established ECOWAS-ECOSOC is seen as a significant movement capable of identifying emerging social and economic trends. It is expected to strengthen dialogue, advocacy, and policy recommendations to address common challenges such as poverty, inequality, political instability, environmental issues, and conflict.
This technical meeting builds on the foundations laid by prior consultations, including an internal meeting of ECOWAS staff in December 2023 in Lagos, a regional consultative meeting with civil society organizations in February 2024 in Abuja, and an experts group meeting in June 2024 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.