Experts Warn on Security and Trade at ECOWAS Meeting

The ECOWAS meeting held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from March 3-6, 2026, brought together scholars, policy analysts, and development experts to address critical issues affecting West Africa. Experts, including Rt Hon Hakeem Jamiu, a former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, highlighted the slow pace of implementing key regional agreements aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among member states.

The final communiqué emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to implement protocols that would deepen economic integration, including the ECOWAS common market, regional currency, and free movement of people and goods. The meeting also addressed emerging threats such as climate change, drought, deforestation, banditry, insurgency, unemployment, and widespread insecurity.

Experts stressed that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without broad-based participation, particularly from women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The communiqué concluded with policy recommendations to fast-track economic integration and strengthen regional institutions to ensure stability and resilience in West Africa.