The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a four-day regional meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, from December 16 to 19, 2024. The event gathered representatives from Member States, the Africa Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the West Africa Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, and other stakeholders. The purpose was to discuss the publication and implementation of Regional Fiscal Harmonization Directives and Supplementary Acts aimed at promoting fiscal and economic integration across West Africa.
The meeting’s goal was to review these directives and acts designed to enhance regional economic cooperation and foster sustainable development in West Africa. Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, Director of Customs Union and Taxation, spoke on behalf of Mrs. Massandjé Litse-Toure, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. He emphasized “the important role of regional directives and supplementary acts in harmonizing tax policies, strengthening fiscal governance, and promoting economic stability.” He added that “the success of these instruments lies in their implementation, which requires collaborative efforts and steadfast commitment from all stakeholders.”
Mr. Kamal Dalhat from the Federal Ministry of Finance highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to aligning regional directives with its ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at sustainable growth.
The meeting focused on key objectives such as facilitating dialogue on regional directives’ impact on fiscal policies and domestic resource mobilization. Participants planned to establish a National Tax Steering Committee for monitoring fiscal transitions and form a Working Group for overseeing implementation.
Challenges like institutional capacity gaps, resource constraints, and conflicting national priorities were addressed during discussions. The ECOWAS Commission remains optimistic about fostering fiscal integration that benefits all citizens within the region.
This meeting is seen as a crucial step toward advancing fiscal reforms across West Africa by enhancing resource mobilization, strengthening governance, and fostering economic growth.
