The ECOWAS Parliament has called for stronger public engagement, increased youth participation and greater private sector involvement in regional affairs as part of efforts to deepen economic integration and democratic governance across West Africa.
The appeal was made during a press conference in Abuja where officials unveiled a series of activities to commemorate the parliament’s 25th anniversary.
According to the regional legislature, the success of integration under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will depend largely on how effectively citizens, entrepreneurs and young people participate in shaping the bloc’s future.
Officials said the silver jubilee celebrations will feature a year-long programme of initiatives driven largely by private sector-led engagements designed to promote trade opportunities, entrepreneurship and broader citizen participation across the region.
They noted that the activities would also highlight the parliament’s contributions to peacebuilding, democratic governance and economic integration since its establishment while creating new platforms for dialogue among policymakers, businesses and the public.
While governments have traditionally led regional policy initiatives, officials emphasised that the next phase of West Africa’s integration must involve stronger collaboration with the private sector and civil society to unlock trade opportunities and accelerate development.
Planned anniversary activities include business forums, youth-centred initiatives, public policy dialogues and media partnerships aimed at increasing awareness of ECOWAS programmes and encouraging citizens to take greater ownership of the regional integration process.
Officials further stressed that young people—who make up the majority of the region’s population—must play a central role in regional economic strategies, particularly in areas such as innovation, digital trade and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Communications Officer of the ECOWAS Parliament, Uchenna Duru-Nwaotule, commended journalists for their role in strengthening democratic accountability and raising public awareness across the region.
She noted that the presence of the media underscored their critical role in promoting transparency and encouraging 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 added that the commemorative initiatives reflect a growing recognition that regional integration cannot be driven solely by governments and institutions, but must also involve businesses, organised civil society groups and the media working together to advance the vision of a prosperous and united West Africa.
Established in 2000, the ECOWAS Parliament serves as the legislative arm of the regional bloc, playing 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 also lay the groundwork for renewed collaboration aimed at advancing regional prosperity and unity under ECOWAS’ long-term development agenda.
