ECOWAS Parliament's 6th Legislature inaugurated in Abuja

In a momentous event at the Abuja International Conference Center, the official inauguration of the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament took place, marked by the swearing-in of 92 Community Parliamentarians.

This significant ceremony was presided over by H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

The inauguration, held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, garnered high-profile attendees including Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate, and H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, emphasizing the regional importance of the occasion. Notably absent were representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who had yet to appoint their Parliamentarians.

During his address, President Tinubu expressed support for direct elections of ECOWAS Parliament members, aligning with the community’s democratic principles and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. This proposed shift aims to empower citizens in their representation, enhancing the Parliament’s legitimacy and accountability.

H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the parliament’s role in advancing democracy in West Africa amid recent challenges, highlighting the parliament’s resilience in upholding democracy and governance standards.

The 92 newly sworn-in parliamentarians will serve a four-year term under the 6th Legislature, tasked with addressing critical regional issues including unity, security, good governance, and development. Dr. Touray emphasized the community’s aspirations for improved security and living conditions, setting a dynamic agenda for the incoming legislature.

The ECOWAS Parliament stands as a testament to the collective determination of member states to foster regional integration, positioning itself as a crucial body in driving forward the aspirations and interests of West African citizens.