ECOWAS Parliament Endorses Sanctions for Trade Compliance

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed the introduction of sanctions against member states that do not comply with regional trade protocols. This decision was made during a delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Industry and Private Sector, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, Administration, Finance and Budget, and Public Accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The recommendation for sanctions was made by Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu of the ECOWAS Business Council Secretariat. Nigerian lawmaker Hon. Bashiru Dawodu emphasized the necessity of sanctions to ensure compliance with regional agreements, stating that many member states operate in isolation, which undermines regional trade and economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of integrating micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) into the regional value chain. Liberian lawmaker Hon. Taa Wongbe called for stronger enforcement of existing agreements and the dismantling of trade barriers, noting that traders still face significant challenges at border crossings.