AfriPulse
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the reintegration of Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger Republic into the bloc, stressing that their return is crucial to tackling insecurity, terrorism and economic fragility in the sub-region.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, made the appeal in Port Harcourt on Monday at the opening of the 2025 Second Parliamentary Seminar and the Second Extraordinary Session of the Parliament.
She said the exclusion of the three Sahel states, which have since formed their own alliance, posed a major challenge to regional integration.
“These challenges should encourage us to accelerate the integration process. We cannot ignore the resentment felt by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. We encourage the dialogue initiated with these countries and we hope to achieve their full reintegration,” she stated.
The Speaker also reminded member states of their responsibility to sustain ECOWAS institutions through the Community levy, a 0.5 per cent tax on goods imported from outside the region.
According to her, timely payment of the levy is critical for the smooth running of the Parliament and other organs of the bloc.
Beyond security and integration, Ibrahima disclosed that the Port Harcourt session would also deliberate on the 2026 draft budget of the Parliament and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in legislative processes.
She described AI as a transformative tool capable of enhancing transparency, research and citizen engagement but warned of its potential misuse.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said hosting the session demonstrated the state’s commitment to initiatives that place ECOWAS at the forefront of responsible AI governance.
“As Nigeria’s energy capital and a thriving technology hub, Rivers State offers unique insights into harnessing AI for parliamentary efficiency,” Fubara noted, urging delegates to balance innovation with the preservation of democratic values.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (represented by Chief Kadilo Kabari), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar (represented), and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhue.
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