By Gloria Ikibah
The 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers has commenced in Abuja with a clear call for greater commitment to democratic governance, peace, and regional integration, as West African leaders confronted rising political and security pressures.
The meeting which was held on Wednesday at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, drew senior government officials, commissioners, diplomats, and heads of regional institutions, setting the tone for decisions expected to shape the bloc’s priorities in the year ahead. 
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her welcome address conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their sustained dedication to regional cooperation. She reminded participants that 2025 marks ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, a milestone she said reflects achievements in free movement, economic coordination, and peace support operations.
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that the region continues to face serious political and security disruptions, including unconstitutional takeovers, stalled political transitions, and governance shortfalls.
According to her, these issues weaken democratic institutions and put development gains at risk. She therefore urged the bloc to stand firm in defending constitutional rule, encourage inclusive dialogue, and support credible transition processes.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also emphasised that deeper economic integration remains essential for long-term stability, calling for stronger value chains, improved intra-regional trade, and expanded opportunities for West Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
She noted that the Council will be deliberating on governance, integration, agriculture, humanitarian response, peace and security, and institutional reforms, with recommendations to guide the Heads of State.
President ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray acknowledged Nigeria’s consistent support and outlined key items before the Council, including the bloc’s annual work programme, institutional budget, community levy operations, and financial health of ECOWAS bodies.
He highlighted new measures to strengthen resilience and counterterrorism financing, while also announcing the establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council, chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to deepen private-sector engagement across the region. He called for renewed backing to stabilise the West African Power Pool, citing mounting financial pressure caused by unpaid debts from national electricity companies.
Chair of the Council of Ministers, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Kabba, emphasised Sierra Leone’s commitment to the ideals set out in the 1975 Treaty of Lagos.
He pointed to ongoing instability, including terrorism, organised crime, and recent coups such as that in Guinea-Bissau, describing them as major threats to regional peace.
Kabba commended ECOWAS for its coordinated response to these crises and insisted that transition authorities must remain under strong pressure to restore constitutional order.
He also urged greater investment in regional security initiatives and called for improved trade within the bloc by leveraging existing regional frameworks.
As the session got underway, Kabba encouraged delegates to approach discussions with clarity and determination, reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to democratic norms, economic transformation, and lasting regional stability.
