The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has issued a strong caution against the continued economic reliance of West African countries on their former colonial rulers. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 94th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Thursday in Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the urgent need for regional economic self-sufficiency.
The two-day meeting, which brings together ministers and delegates from member states, focuses on advancing economic integration and addressing critical developmental challenges facing the West African subregion. Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the historical context of economic dependence, stating, “For newly independent African countries, if you stay alone and isolated from your neighbours, you remain dependent on the former colonial master, forever consigning yourself to being an exporter of agricultural cash crops and raw materials to the metropolis.”
He urged ECOWAS member states to take control of their economic futures by fostering regional trade, developing shared infrastructure, and promoting collective self-reliance. “Conversely, if you trade freely with your neighbours, develop infrastructure jointly to strengthen that trade, you develop indigenous industries, collective self-reliance, and take control of your destinies,” he added.
Ambassador Tuggar reminded attendees of the founding principles of ECOWAS and similar African regional organizations, noting that they were “borne out of our yearning for economic decolonisation and not the other way round.” He called on member states to revisit this revolutionary vision, viewing ECOWAS not merely as a bureaucratic entity but as a vehicle for overcoming colonial-era structural limitations.
As the ministers prepared to discuss a broad agenda including trade, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and institutional reform, Tuggar encouraged a spirit of collaboration. “I invite us all to approach our discussions with an ethos of collegiality, compromise, and flexibility with a broader vision for a strong, united, and resilient Regional Economic Community,” he said. “This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations but also by the courage of our decisions.”
In his opening remarks, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray acknowledged ongoing efforts to deepen regional integration. He outlined key agenda items such as trade liberalisation, industrial development, and responses to global economic shifts. Touray highlighted the persistent challenge of non-tariff barriers, describing them as a “perennial obstacle to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness, and economic growth.”
Touray shared his recent firsthand observations from a road trip between Lagos and Cotonou, where he witnessed the difficulties caused by non-tariff barriers at the Seme/Krake border post between Nigeria and Benin. “We must do everything to put an end to this and facilitate economic exchange across the region,” he said.
The session also reviewed recommendations from the recent Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry, including the adoption of a regional Trade and Investment Promotion Strategy and accelerated ratification of key agreements such as the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Additionally, ministers considered a proposed Cooperation Agreement between the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and member states to enforce competition and consumer protection laws. Dr. Touray urged rapid action, stating, “The ministers have considered the Cooperation Agreement between ERCA and member states… and requested member states to take necessary measures for its signature by the end of June 2025.”
On international trade matters, ministers discussed the West Africa–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement and the impact of new US tariff policies. They recommended further national consultations with key stakeholders, especially the private sector, to determine the best way forward.
Regarding regional security, Dr. Touray announced a shared commitment with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to collaborate in combating terrorism and violent extremism. “We have secured an understanding with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on the need to work together to build confidence to collectively confront terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.
He also updated delegates on resumed political dialogue with Guinea, aimed at creating conditions for the country’s people to decide their political future. “With Guinea, discussions have resumed on political transition, and we are working to create the right environment for the people of Guinea to determine the political future of their country,” Touray noted.
