Sanwo-Olu Calls For ECOWAS Unity, Free Commerce Amongst Members

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged member states of the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) to resume their dedication to regional integration, emphasizing the necessity for a affluent, peaceable, and united West Africa.

Talking on the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, Sanwo-Olu known as for the removing of commerce limitations to make sure free motion throughout the West African hall.

He burdened the significance of constructing an inclusive and equitable area the place each citizen has the chance to thrive.

The seminar marked 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament—milestones that Sanwo-Olu described as proof of the area’s resilience and shared imaginative and prescient for unity.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted key areas requiring pressing consideration, together with institutional reforms, financial integration, peace and safety, youth empowerment, and local weather change adaptation.

“We should strengthen our establishments to make sure they’re responsive, inclusive, and efficient. We should deepen financial integration by eradicating limitations to commerce, funding, and the free motion of individuals,” he mentioned.

He additional emphasised the necessity to handle the foundation causes of battle, put money into training and job creation for younger folks, and undertake sustainable practices to fight local weather change.

Reflecting on Lagos’ function in regional growth, Sanwo-Olu expressed delight within the state’s contribution as an financial and cultural hub.

“Our state has served as a gateway for commerce, funding, and cultural change, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for.

“Lagos stays dedicated to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and enhance the lives of our folks. We recognise that the challenges we face—whether or not in safety, financial growth, or local weather change—require collective motion and shared options,” he mentioned.

Talking on the theme of the seminar, “ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections on Regional Integration Achievements,” Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the organisation’s function in shaping West Africa’s future.

He counseled the ECOWAS Parliament for championing integration, advocating for residents’ rights, and supporting regional peacekeeping and electoral processes over the previous 25 years.

In her remarks, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, highlighted the organisation’s progress over 5 a long time, significantly in financial growth and peacekeeping.

She additionally emphasised the importance of celebrating ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee in Lagos, the place the Treaty of Lagos was signed to ascertain the regional physique.