President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to recommit to the founding ideals of the regional bloc by building a united, economically vibrant, and politically stable West Africa.
Delivering a keynote address titled “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa” at the opening of the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Akpabio called for renewed dedication to regional integration amid growing economic and security challenges.
“ECOWAS was never meant to be just a concept—it is a clarion call,” Akpabio said. “Our journey to greatness has only just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region.”
The Senate President emphasized the urgent need for economic transformation, warning that persistent issues like currency volatility, inflation, and global market pressures have continued to hinder growth. He called for bold reforms and renewed pursuit of a unified regional currency backed by fiscal discipline and economic trust.
“A common currency alone will not solve our problems. We must strengthen intra-regional trade, support SMEs, industrialize, and add value to our abundant natural resources,” he added.
Akpabio also drew attention to the political and security threats destabilizing parts of the region, including terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime. He advocated for stronger democratic institutions, good governance, and youth empowerment to address the root causes of instability.
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On the global stage, Akpabio urged ECOWAS to amplify its voice in international affairs and push for fairer treatment in trade, finance, and climate negotiations.
“We must speak with one voice, stand together against external economic pressures, and place the welfare of our people above all else,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima of Togo, said the body—despite its relative youth—has become increasingly influential in shaping the political trajectory of West Africa.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, she reminded the Parliament that regional integration is not automatic. “It is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must constantly cultivate and reinvent,” she said.
The First Ordinary Session continues in Abuja with key discussions expected on economic cooperation, regional peace, and institutional reforms.