The ECOWAS Parliament has called for deeper public engagement, stronger youth participation and greater private sector involvement in regional affairs as part of efforts to strengthen trade and democratic integration across West Africa.
The call came as the regional legislature unveiled a series of year-long initiatives to commemorate its 25th anniversary, with officials stressing that the success of regional integration under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) depends largely on how effectively citizens, entrepreneurs and young people are involved in shaping the bloc’s future.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja announcing the activities, officials said the silver jubilee celebrations will be driven largely by private sector-led programmes aimed at promoting trade opportunities, entrepreneurship and broader citizen engagement across the region.
According to them, the initiatives are designed to highlight the parliament’s contributions to peacebuilding, democratic governance and economic integration since its establishment while also opening new spaces for dialogue between policymakers, businesses and the public.
They noted that while governments have traditionally driven regional policies, the next phase of West Africa’s integration must actively involve the private sector and civil society to unlock trade opportunities and accelerate development.
The anniversary activities will therefore feature a range of engagements including business forums, youth-focused initiatives, public policy dialogues and media collaborations intended to broaden awareness about ECOWAS programmes and encourage citizens to take greater ownership of the regional project.
Officials emphasised that young people, who form the majority of West Africa’s population, must be placed at the centre of regional economic strategies, particularly in areas such as innovation, digital trade and entrepreneurship.
Delivering a vote of thanks at the event, the Chief Communications Officer of the ECOWAS Parliament, Uchenna Duru-Nwaotule, commended journalists for their role in strengthening democratic accountability and public awareness across the region.
She said the presence of the media at the event underscored their critical role in promoting transparency and fostering citizen participation in regional governance.
“As we mark twenty-five years of the ECOWAS Parliament’s contribution to regional integration and peacebuilding through parliamentary diplomacy, the partnership of the media remains indispensable in ensuring that citizens across West Africa are informed and actively engaged in this milestone celebration,” she said.
Duru-Nwaotule noted that the commemorative initiatives reflect a growing recognition that regional integration cannot be driven solely by governments and institutions.
Rather, she stressed, it requires the active participation of businesses, organised civil society groups and the media working together to advance the shared vision of a prosperous and united West Africa.
She urged journalists to continue amplifying initiatives that promote youth engagement, economic development and inclusive dialogue across the ECOWAS region, adding that the anniversary offers a platform for citizens, entrepreneurs and innovators to contribute meaningfully to the bloc’s integration agenda.
The ECOWAS Parliament, established in 2000, serves as the legislative arm of the regional body and plays a key role in promoting democratic governance, conflict resolution and policy harmonisation among member states.
Officials said the 25th anniversary celebration will not only highlight the institution’s achievements over the past quarter century but will also set the stage for renewed collaboration aimed at advancing the goals of regional prosperity and unity under the ECOWAS long-term development framework.
