ECOWAS Plans Life Without Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali

–         To hold summit on community future 

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States on Sunday announced plans to organise a summit: “the Future of the Community,” to strategize on life without exited member states – Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.

This move trails the exit of the three francophone countries, who have since formed Alliance of Sahel States,

Relations between the three countries and other members of ECOWAS got broken following the rejection of undemocratic change of government in the now AES states.

Already, the Committee on Administration and Finance of the commission has commenced a three-day, mid-term evaluation of the sub-region’s implementation of the programmes and activities of the Community’s institutions.

The committee which is sitting in Abuja will also look at the difficult financial situation of the Community and the state of recruitment within the institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the 37th ordinary meeting of the CAF, on Sunday, the Vice President of the Commission, Madam Damtien Tchintchibidja, called for speedy reforms needed to adapt to the current reality of the withdrawal.

Tchintchibidja said: “Today’s meeting is part of a twofold dynamics: on the one hand, that of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of ECOWAS and, on the other, that of the official withdrawal of three of our member states.

“One of the lessons learnt from the commemoration of our fiftieth anniversary and those learnt from the departure of the three member states is that it is essential and imperative for us to speed up the institutional, organisational, political and security reforms needed in order to adapt to the new realities. I therefore appeal to your sense of responsibility so that together we can undertake the necessary reforms.

“It is in this spirit that I am pleased to announce the forthcoming organisation, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, of a Summit on the Future of the Community.”

She further said that “prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the Community.”

Speaking on the importance of the CAF meeting, she said: “As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us without complacency and together redouble our efforts to find appropriate solutions.”

Tchintchibidja noted that ECOWAS is currently “at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future,” stressing the need for the regional body to recognize the importance of unity.

She added that: “But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity. Indeed, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability, is priceless.”

She also emphasized that “In many ways, this Golden Jubilee has been a time for collective reflection, introspection and assessment of our achievements, strengths and challenges. It has also enabled us to start looking to the future.”

She said: “I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space. It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region, hence the theme of our Golden Jubilee: ‘Stronger together for a better future’

On his part, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee on Administration and Finance, Ambassador Olawale Awe, called on ECOWAS to fast-track the process of filling the gaps left behind by the three departed states.

​  

  • Related Posts

    BREAKING: Tinubu Set To Announce Prof Amupitan, Dino Melaye’s Lawyer For 10 Years, As Next INEC Chairman

    SaharaReporters learned that to formalise the appointment, the President has scheduled a meeting of the Council of State for this Thursday.   ArticlesRead More 

    Akpabio Rallies Senators for Bold Reforms, Stronger Federalism, Responsible Leadership

    Akpabio Rallies Senators for Bold Reforms, Stronger Federalism, Responsible Leadership

    * Akpoti-Uduaghan formally resumes plenary 

     Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Tuesday rallied members of the 10th National Assembly to recommit themselves to the urgent task of rebuilding Nigeria’s economy, deepening democracy and restoring public confidence in governance.

    In his welcome address to senators as plenary resumed after the long recess, Akpabio set a resolute tone for the new legislative session.

    He urged lawmakers to rise above rhetoric and deliver tangible results to a nation still grappling with insecurity, hunger and economic strain.

    “Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action,” Akpabio declared in a speech titled ‘Steady Hands for a Great Nation’.

    He said: “The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside. The cost of living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain. 

    “The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis. These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency.”

    The Senate President commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country’s journey since 1960 as a relay of faith and sacrifice. 

    “The flame may flicker, but it must never die,” he said.

    Akpabio expressed grief over recent tragedies, including the Kogi boat mishap, the Katsina mosque attack, and the murder of forest guards in Kwara, and called for better coordination between federal and state authorities to mitigate annual flooding across the country.

    While acknowledging the nation’s economic challenges, Akpabio noted that there are encouraging signs of recovery.

    He cited Nigeria’s oil output approaching 1.8 million barrels per day as a sign of renewed investor confidence. 

    He, however, warned against treating the development as “another fleeting windfall”, insisting that it must instead lay the foundation for fiscal discipline and job creation.

    On food insecurity, he lamented that “over 33 million Nigerians face acute hunger.” 

    He urged immediate legislative interventions in agriculture, irrigation and rural infrastructure. 

    “Hunger cannot be defeated with words; it requires policy, budget, and will,” he said.

    Akpabio also restated the Senate’s commitment to constitutional review, stressing that the legislature must strengthen federalism, improve governance efficiency and ensure inclusiveness. 

    “We must revisit the constitution to make our federalism stronger, our governance more efficient, and our democracy more inclusive,” he noted.

    On relations with the Executive, Akpabio pledged cooperation without compromise, declaring that the Senate “shall remain frank and firm, neither obsequious nor obstructive”.

    “Where policies raise our people, we shall lend our strength; where they imperil them, we shall speak on their behalf,” he pledged.

    As the 2027 election season approaches, the Senate President delivered a sobering reminder about the quality of leadership and the dangers of political showmanship. 

    “Leadership is not a carnival, and governance is not a stage for theatrics,” he warned. 

    “Let no one mistake the nation’s destiny for a costume drama, nor confuse applause with achievement.”

    He urged Nigerians to elect men and women of integrity, competence and proven service.

    “Democracy will only flourish when ballots are cast, not for the loudest voice, but for the wisest head,” he added.

    Akpabio therefore charged lawmakers to legislate with courage and foresight, ensuring that: “This Senate is remembered as an instrument of national transformation, a citadel of democracy, and a beacon of hope.”

    He said, “Let us resume our work with fresh vigour and steadfast resolve. Let us legislate not only for the Nigeria of today but for the generations whose faces we shall never see.”

    Meanwhile, the embattled senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday returned to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension.

    She was seen as the red chamber resumed plenary following a 10-week recess.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return marks the end of a suspension that had generated widespread public debate earlier in the year.

    The lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 for six months over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio on February 20.

    ​  

    * Akpoti-Uduaghan formally resumes plenary   Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Tuesday rallied members of the 10th National Assembly to recommit themselves to the urgent

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    JustMarkets wins the “Best Global Broker” award at JFEX 2025 

    Chune.xyz and Amapiano Groove Records partner to put African Music on the blockchain 

    Fuel attendants earn as low as N20,000 monthly, decry poor pay 

    Ekiti Airport gets NCAA approval for daytime commercial operations

    NGX lifts suspension on IEI shares as active trading returns in October 2025 

    JMG Limited marks World Clean-Up Day with action for a Cleaner, Greener Future 

    Lagos, Rivers, FCT lead Nigeria’s N3.63 trillion IGR in 2024 

    From Leica Cameras to 7000mAh Batteries: Xiaomi unveils its latest devices in Nigeria 

    IKEDC, EKEDC remain as Lagos licenses new DisCos 

    Broadband: $2 billion project to make Nigeria Africa’s next tech hub — Tijani

    NGX: Retail investors boost trading with N2.33 trillion in 8 months 

    Tinubu promises improved industrial and economic growth as Nigerian Economic Summit kicks off

    Tinubu promises improved industrial and economic growth as Nigerian Economic Summit kicks off

    We are not just solving healthcare challenges; we are redesigning how Africans experience care – Abiola Ayilara, Founder and CEO of MyQura 

    Gold price soars 42.8% in one year, surpassing record $3,650 

    Vaccination campaign begins in Nigeria to protect 106 million children

    CBN bars debtors, blacklisted BVNs from operating as PoS agents

    The blueprint for wealth: TenTrade convenes Market Leaders to define Africa’s trading future 

    Land Banking: How Mshel Homes is unlocking the future of real estate investment in Nigeria 

    Lagos State teachers earn a minimum of N150,000 monthly- LASUED VC

    PoS geo-tagging: CBN sets N5 million minimum penalty

    Power: Nigeria seeks $2 billion China loan for new super grid 

    AI investment needed to secure Africa’s digital sovereignty – Idaretsit

    OpenAI unveils ChatGPT in-chat apps with Coursera, Spotify, others

    Nigeria must turn painful reforms into prosperity- NESG Chairman

    Nigeria must turn painful reforms into prosperity- NESG Chairman

    NESG warns Nigeria must create 27.3 million jobs by 2030 

    SEPLAT leads gainers as All-Share Index jumps 0.86%

    EFCC arraigns accountant for alleged N200 million theft

    Nigeria’s Shea Sector Rebounds as Local Processing Spurs Revenue Growth

    Medplus Drives Sustainable Growth in Beauty Industry

    Nestlé Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Skills Development, Graduates 20

    Legend Internet Receives Investment-grade Rating from Agusto & Co

    Phoenix Steel Boosts Productivity through Eligible Customer Programme

    Renaissance Unveils Continental Business Strategy, Eyes Expansion 

    “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN:” FG speaks on Dangote refinery workers’ dispute

    “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN:” FG speaks on Dangote refinery workers’ dispute

    CBN directs banks to submit monthly reports on POS agents activities 

    Transforming energy solutions: Starsight Energy’s vision for Nigerian businesses