By Gloria Ikibah
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is set to convene its third Extra-Ordinary Session of 2024, alongside its Second Parliamentary Seminar, from September 24 to October 3, 2024, in Lomé, Togo.
This significant gathering will bring together representatives from 15 West African nations to discuss pressing issues in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Budget Review and Planning
During this session there will be a review of the implementation of the Parliament’s 2023 budget and assessment of the mid-term budget for 2024.
According to a statement from the Parliament’s Communications Division, “this review is crucial in ensuring that our budget aligns with the region’s development goals.”
Additionally, discussions will cover the 2025 draft budget of the Community Parliament.
“Strategic planning is key to fostering economic growth and development in our region”, the statement further noted.
Capacity Building for New Legislature
A parliamentary orientation seminar for members of the newly established Sixth Legislature will precede the Extra-Ordinary Session. This seminar aims to enhance members’ understanding of ECOWAS institutions and equip them with the knowledge required to represent the people of the sub-region effectively.
The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, stated, “The seminar will prepare our new members to make informed decisions that benefit our citizens from day one.”
Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion
In conjunction with these events, the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) will host a symposium on October 1, 2024, focused on “Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment.”
The forum will explore the challenges women face in accessing financial services and discuss ways to promote their economic empowerment.
“Financial inclusion is essential to unlocking women’s potential and fostering regional development,” the Chairperson of ECOFEPA stated.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, serves as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and consensus among representatives of the people of West Africa, with a mission to promote regional integration.
Established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the Protocol creating the Parliament was signed in Abuja on August 6, 1994.