Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to renew their commitment to regional integration, emphasizing the need for a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, Sanwo-Olu called for the removal of trade barriers to ensure free movement across the West African corridor.
He stressed the importance of building an inclusive and equitable region where every citizen has the opportunity 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 region’s resilience and shared vision for unity.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted key areas requiring urgent attention, including institutional reforms, economic integration, peace and security, youth empowerment, and climate change adaptation.
“We must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. We must deepen economic integration by removing barriers to trade, investment, and the free movement of people,” he said.
He further emphasized the need to address the root causes of conflict, invest in education and job creation for young people, and adopt sustainable practices to combat climate change.
Reflecting on Lagos’ role in regional development, Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the state’s contribution as an economic and cultural hub.
“Our state has served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for.
“Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and improve the lives of our people. We recognise that the challenges we face—whether in security, economic development, or climate change—require collective action and shared solutions,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the seminar, “ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections on Regional Integration Achievements,” Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the organisation’s role in shaping West Africa’s destiny.
He commended the ECOWAS Parliament for championing integration, advocating for citizens’ rights, and supporting regional peacekeeping and electoral processes over the past 25 years.
In her remarks, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, highlighted the organisation’s progress over five decades, particularly in economic development and peacekeeping.
She also emphasized the significance of celebrating ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee in Lagos, where the Treaty of Lagos was signed to establish the regional body.