The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is conducting a four-day pre-audit working session with EU pillar champions from various directorates. These include the Directorate of Administration & General Services, Directorate of Financial Reporting and Grants, Directorate of External Relations, Directorate of Human Resources, Directorate of Budget and Treasury, Directorate of Audit, and Legal Directorate. The event also includes representatives from the Office of the President and Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, along with the Commissioner for Internal Services. This session is taking place in Niger, Nigeria from November 19 to 22, 2024.
The primary goal is to prepare for an upcoming audit on the EU Pillar and ensure compliance with international standards. Specific objectives include reviewing current systems and procedures within ECOWAS, sharing insights from a benchmarking mission with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), identifying non-compliance areas to develop corrective plans, enhancing ECOWAS's capacity to implement EU-funded projects directly, strengthening relations between ECOWAS and the EU, and improving compliance with international standards.
Mr. Franck-Emery Mongbe from GIZ acknowledged ECOWAS's commitment to adhering to international standards during its certification process in his opening speech.
Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner for Internal Services at ECOWAS Commission stated that this mission aims to identify strategies and best practices for improving readiness for the EU Pillar Assessment. He emphasized developing an action plan addressing improvement areas within financial management, procurement, internal control while enhancing staff capacity to align with international standards. Prof. Darma highlighted management's awareness of new EU conditions: "We should ensure that our 2025 workplan incorporates these new provisions so that we can be compliant with international best practices."
He expressed gratitude towards GIZ and the EU for their support over the years as well as appreciation for the dedication shown by Pillar Champions despite their busy schedules.
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