On July 7, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja hosted strategic consultations presided over by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. The meetings brought together regional and international stakeholders to advance cooperation in fiscal governance, peace through scientific diplomacy, legal integration, and infrastructure development.
The meetings included discussions with the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA), the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), the West African Bar Association (WABA), and the Steering Committee of the ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU). These discussions reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to advancing functional integration and mobilizing partnerships for tangible benefits in West Africa.
The day began with a meeting with ABWA led by its President, Mr. Mor Dieng. Discussions focused on renewing a Memorandum of Understanding to advance professional development in accounting and promote transparency in public financial systems. President Touray emphasized fiscal accountability stating, “Integration is not only political — it is functional.”
President Touray then met Dr. Robert Floyd from CTBTO to discuss strengthening collaboration in disaster risk reduction and nuclear technologies’ peaceful use. Dr. Floyd commended West Africa’s contribution to global peace.
Later, a meeting with WABA leadership discussed supporting regional legal frameworks and electoral justice. President Touray stressed the importance of impartial legal institutions stating, “We welcome the engagement of legal professionals… rooted in justice.”
The final meeting was with PPDU’s Steering Committee chaired by Hon. Commissioner Sediko Douka addressing project preparation challenges and infrastructure financing through FODETE, a regional fund mobilized via levies on exports.
President Touray highlighted recent energy gains like a EUR 75 million EU-backed renewable initiative stressing resilient health partnerships following USAID funding withdrawal saying, “Lives cannot be paused due to budgetary unpredictability.”
Concluding engagements for the day, President Touray emphasized strategic dialogue as essential for leadership and unity within ECOWAS towards Vision 2050: “a united region where integration delivers dignity and opportunity.”