Abuja:The ECOWAS Parliament has advocated for increased legislative and oversight powers to better represent the interests and aspirations of West African citizens. This call was made by Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima during the visit of Senegalese President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Faye, on Tuesday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Faye’s visit aimed to enhance cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of ECOWAS, focusing on regional integration, democratic governance, and institutional reform. Ibrahima highlighted the institutional limitations that have restricted the Parliament’s effectiveness since its establishment 25 years ago.
Ibrahima emphasized that empowering the Parliament with stronger legislative and oversight functions would boost the credibility, legitimacy, and effectiveness of ECOWAS institutions. A more robust regional Parliament, she argued, would enable the Community to better address the needs of its citizens and further regional integration objectives.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Parliament’s dedication to representative democracy, human rights, peace, and security, as well as reforms to bring ECOWAS institutions closer to the people. She expressed a commitment to collaborating with other ECOWAS institutions to foster dialogue, stability, good governance, and sustainable development across the region.
In response, President Faye praised the Parliament for its role in regional integration, conflict prevention, mediation, and legislative harmonization. He described the ECOWAS Parliament as the “Assembly of the Peoples,” emphasizing its significance in strengthening democracy, regional dialogue, political stability, peace, and social cohesion.
Faye assured the Parliament of his support, particularly in implementing its programmes and action plans. He also accepted an invitation to address the Parliament at a future plenary session, where he will outline his vision and priorities for the West African region.
Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sen. Barau Jibrin, welcomed the engagement with the Senegalese president. Jibrin noted that the visit would enhance interactions between the Parliament and ECOWAS heads of state and government, fostering regional integration.
Jibrin called for ongoing efforts to strengthen the Parliament’s institutional role and to improve relationships between ECOWAS institutions and the citizens they serve. The engagement highlighted the need for adequate resources and stronger institutional support to enable the Parliament to effectively fulfill its mandate.
Lawmakers stressed that strengthening the regional legislature is crucial to making ECOWAS more democratic, accountable, and responsive to the aspirations and concerns of West African citizens. They advocated for continued collaboration among ECOWAS institutions and member states to advance reforms that would amplify citizens’ voices in regional decision-making and deepen the integration process.