The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States has urged the reintegration of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic into the regional bloc, stressing that their return is vital to addressing insecurity, terrorism and economic fragility in West Africa.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, made the call in Port Harcourt on Monday at the opening of the 2025 Second Parliamentary Seminar and the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Ibrahima said the exclusion of the three countries, which have formed an alliance of Sahel states, posed a challenge to regional integration and stability.
She appealed for sustained dialogue and reconciliation efforts to bring them back into the fold.
“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 said.
The Speaker also reminded member states of their responsibility to fund ECOWAS institutions through the Community levy, a 0.5 per cent tax on goods imported from outside the region.
According to her, timely payment is necessary to ensure the smooth running of the Parliament and other organs.
Beyond security and integration, Ibrahima noted that the Port Harcourt session would focus on adopting the Parliament’s draft budget for 2026 and deliberating on the role of artificial intelligence in parliamentary processes. She described AI as a transformative force capable of improving legislative research, transparency and citizen engagement, but warned of the risks of disinformation.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, said hosting the session underscored the state’s support for initiatives that position 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 said, 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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