The ECOWAS Parliament has proposed a comprehensive review of the ECOWAS Founding Treaty, known as the Treaty of Lagos, signed in May 1975. The proposed review aims to redefine the organization’s priorities and align its objectives with contemporary regional and global challenges.
This recommendation was among several presented to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the Parliamentary Seminar themed “ECOWAS @ 50 & Parliament @ 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament Towards Attaining Regional Integration,” held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Key Recommendations
In a Draft Outcome Document adopted by the Parliament, members emphasized the need for ECOWAS to remain relevant by adapting to the evolving needs of member states and citizens.
The document states: “ECOWAS must institutionalize democratic governance within its decision-making structures by ensuring greater citizen participation through regular popular consultations.”
Additionally, it calls for “innovative strategies to increase financial resources and ensure long-term financial stability.”
The Parliament also urged the ECOWAS Commission to conduct a comprehensive 50-year evaluation of its achievements, challenges, and future direction. This assessment would involve evaluating policy impacts, engaging stakeholders, documenting successes, addressing persistent issues, strengthening institutional efficiency, promoting economic transformation, and enhancing democratic governance.
Furthermore, Parliamentarians stressed the need for improved collaboration among all ECOWAS institutions to enhance regional integration efforts.
Strengthening the Role of the ECOWAS Parliament
Reflecting on the 25-year milestone of the ECOWAS Parliament, members recommended that the legislative body “should exert its influence and act proactively in the execution of its mandate as enshrined in the Supplementary Act Relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
They also emphasized the need for greater public awareness of the Parliament’s role in monitoring and implementing community policies, programs, and the activities of the ECOWAS Commission and other regional institutions.
The recommendations underscore the Parliament’s commitment to ensuring a more integrated, prosperous, and stable West Africa.