As Nigeria joins other ECOWAS member states in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS Commission, member countries have been called upon to deepen regional integration to foster economic development and boost trade.
The Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, made this call during the commemorative event held in Lagos, Nigeria the city where the original ECOWAS Treaty was signed in 1975. He noted that the occasion provided an opportunity for member states to reflect on both the Commission’s achievements and its challenges, while exploring strategies for a more united and prosperous future.
Dr Touray emphasised that over the past five decades, the Commission has remained resilient and steadfast despite difficult times, working collaboratively to advance shared regional development goals.
“ECOWAS is stronger together. United, we can build a more integrated regional economy that represents the interests of over 400 million people across the region,” he stated.
He urged member states, as ECOWAS embarks on the next 50 years, to renew their commitment to regional cooperation, prioritise gender equity, enhance security, and pursue deeper integration.
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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, highlighted the evolution of ECOWAS, noting the various initiatives established over the years to strengthen regional cooperation. He explained that to bridge language barriers and differing colonial legacies, the ECOWAS Commission launched a free trade liberalisation scheme aimed at reducing regional disparities.
The Minister also cited the Lagos-Abidjan Free Trade Corridor as a major step forward in regional integration. The corridor facilitates the movement of goods and services from Lagos to Dakar, connecting several countries and bolstering regional trade and cooperation.
Speaking at the event, former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, recalled the signing of the Treaty of Lagos on this day 50 years ago by 15 West African heads of state. He noted that Mauritania had initially been part of the plan but withdrew just before the treaty was signed.
General Gowon explained that the primary aim of the ECOWAS Treaty was to promote economic cooperation and integration among member states, with a focus on collective self-sufficiency and an improved standard of living for citizens essentially creating “a Community of the people,” not just of leaders.
He recounted that the idea of ECOWAS emerged shortly after Nigeria’s civil war, during his goodwill visits to neighbouring countries. While holding bilateral discussions with several presidents, he and then Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma agreed to broaden the scope of cooperation to a regional level, drawing inspiration from existing models such as the European Economic Community (EEC) and the East African Community (EAC).
The two leaders instructed their Ministers of Economic and External Affairs including Professor Adebayo Adedeji and Dr Arikpo of Nigeria, and Mr Edem Kodjo and a colleague from Togo to develop a working document. These efforts, along with consultations with other English- and French-speaking West African leaders, led to the formal launch of ECOWAS with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos on 28 May 1975.
General Gowon acknowledged the achievements of ECOWAS in the past five decades, particularly in promoting regional integration, cooperation, and the free movement of people, goods, and services fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. However, he pointed out that some goals, such as the introduction of a common currency, remain unfulfilled. A common currency, he said, was intended to advance economic integration and reduce transaction costs among member states.
He also highlighted ongoing challenges facing the region, including insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of violence that threaten the community’s future.
Reflecting on recent setbacks, General Gowon expressed regret over the decision of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS. He described the move as a significant blow to the organisation, especially at a time when it had hoped to celebrate its Golden Jubilee with unity.
“It is unfortunate that ECOWAS marks this milestone without its full original membership. Nevertheless, the majority of its member states remain, and their achievements over the past 50 years deserve to be celebrated. Happy Golden Jubilee, ECOWAS,” he declared.
The event was attended by presidents, heads of state from member countries, and members of the diplomatic corps.
