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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening regional economic integration, declaring that the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains critical to unlocking West Africa’s trade and investment potential.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu represented by Ambassador Mrs. Nonyelum Afoekelu, made this known on Monday at the First Parliamentary Seminar and First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja.
Addressing lawmakers and regional stakeholders, the minister described the seminar’s theme deepening regional integration through AfCFTA as both timely and strategic, given the political, economic and security pressures facing the sub-region.
“West Africa must urgently consolidate its integration agenda and respond collectively to emerging challenges,” she said. “The AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to expand intra-community trade, strengthen value chains and position our businesses competitively within the African market.”
The session, convened as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), drew high-level participants including Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Touray.
In her remarks, the minister noted that ECOWAS was not starting from scratch in aligning with the continental trade framework. She referenced the existing ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme as a tested mechanism that could be harmonised with AfCFTA structures.
“By leveraging our institutional experience and regulatory frameworks, ECOWAS can position itself as a frontrunner in operationalising the AfCFTA,” she stated.
She further emphasised the pivotal role of the regional parliament in translating continental commitments into national action. According to her, legislative harmonisation, budgetary support and effective oversight would be crucial to ensuring that member states domesticate and implement trade agreements.
Paraphrasing the minister’s position, she urged parliamentarians to eliminate regulatory bottlenecks, remove non-tariff barriers and actively engage the private sector to maximise the benefits of expanded regional trade.
“The ECOWAS Parliament serves as the democratic bridge between regional aspirations and national implementation,” she said. “Sustained parliamentary engagement will be indispensable in delivering tangible economic gains for our people.”
She also recalled the decision of ECOWAS Heads of State in December 2025, which called on member states to accelerate AfCFTA implementation and strengthen institutional structures to support the agreement.
Encouraging robust participation in the seminar, the minister expressed confidence that deliberations would produce practical outcomes capable of advancing regional prosperity.
“This milestone event must not only celebrate our achievements,” she concluded, “but chart a bold and ambitious path toward a more integrated and economically resilient West Africa.”
The session continues with technical discussions expected to focus on legislative alignment, trade facilitation and strategies for boosting intra-community commerce across the ECOWAS region.