The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been urged to chart a new path toward financial independence and institutional reform by reducing its reliance on foreign aid and development partners.
This call was made during the opening of the 37th meeting of the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee in Abuja on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Internal Services, Professor Nazifi Darma, encouraged member states to intensify the use of internal resources and commit to eliminating corruption across the region.
“As experts who deliberate on our administrative and financial issues, I would want you to ponder on an important development that is happening in the world, which is likely to affect us — the new world order created by the United States of America,” Darma said.
“One consequence of this new order is the model through which the US Agency for International Development now assists many of our countries – a model that is likely to be adopted by other development partners as well.”
Darma also cited the recent upgrade of translation equipment at the ECOWAS Secretariat as an example of the organisation’s growing commitment to institutional efficiency.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Olawale Awe, addressed key institutional concerns, particularly following the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.
He called on the remaining ECOWAS member states to demonstrate full compliance with the community levy, which is crucial to sustaining regional programmes and initiatives.
“Member states are expected to comply with the payment of their levies, especially now that Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have withdrawn their membership from ECOWAS. This is necessary to enable the region to carry out its programmes for the benefit of its citizens,” Awe said.
Awe also stressed the need to fill staffing gaps within ECOWAS institutions, underscoring the importance of merit, compassion, and regional balance in recruitment processes.
“With the exit of the three countries, the Commission must work on planning and filling the available vacancies within ECOWAS institutions,” he said.
The meeting highlighted the urgency for the regional body to pursue institutional reform, deepen internal funding mechanisms, and ensure that its structures are resilient and inclusive in the face of growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
