Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 10, 2025, for the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. The three-day meeting focuses on reviewing key memoranda aimed at strengthening governance structures, advancing regional integration, and promoting sustainable economic development across West Africa.
During the session, the Council is set to assess and approve the 2026 work programme and budget for ECOWAS institutions. Other agenda items include reviewing the financial status of the Community, evaluating how well the ECOWAS levy protocol has been implemented, and considering reports from both the Auditor General and Audit Committee. These discussions are intended to improve transparency within institutions and reinforce accountability measures throughout ECOWAS.
The ministers will also examine memoranda related to regional resilience, monetary integration, and strategies for mobilizing resources to operationalize the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force. Additionally, they will review important resolutions from the Board of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), which reflects a continued commitment to deepening financial cooperation among member states.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced a new milestone for the ECOWAS Business Council by naming industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its first Chairperson. He recognized Dangote’s leadership in supporting private sector growth in West Africa.
Dr. Touray stated that “the ECOWAS Business Council would serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue among the private sector, Member State governments, and ECOWAS institutions, ensuring that private-sector contributions play a central role in shaping the regional economic agenda.” He added: “As ECOWAS marks the 50th anniversary, the organisation is positioning the Council as a catalyst for private-sector-led growth, intra-regional investment, and resilience against global economic shocks.”
He further highlighted increased momentum for intra-regional investment by noting recent investment forums hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal. Sierra Leone has also proposed hosting a West Africa Economic Investment Summit. According to Dr. Touray: “By empowering regional investors such as Alhaji Dangote and creating enabling conditions for pri-vate-sector engagement, ECOWAS aims to unlock new pathways for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
H.E. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of Nigeria emphasized during her welcome address that “the Council’s broad agenda… spans economic integration, peace and security, humanitarian affairs, agriculture, governance reforms, and institutional strengthening.” She pointed out that outcomes from this session would shape recommendations made to heads of state regarding future regional integration efforts.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stressed inclusive governance needs along with deeper intra-regional trade opportunities—especially relevant given that over 65 percent of West Africa’s more than 400 million citizens are under age 25.
Mr. Timothy Kabba of Sierra Leone chaired this session as Minister of Foreign Affairs; he called on member states to strengthen cooperation amid ongoing security challenges in some countries like Benin Republic and Guinea-Bissau due to political unrest. Kabba said: “Acts that undermine democratic governance threaten the very fabric of our Community. Our swift and coordinated responses demonstrate our resolve to uphold peace and stability.” He added: “We must honour the vision of our forefathers who laid the foundation of a Community built on coop-eration, unity, and collective progress.”
ECOWAS expressed confidence in its Council’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively through collaboration—a quality described as long-standing within their organization—and looks forward to decisions expected from this session which should boost public trust in their integration efforts.
As it enters its next half-century milestone since founding fifty years ago—the organization acknowledged both achievements made so far alongside persistent issues such as political instability or unconstitutional changes seen recently among some members but remains committed toward building greater resilience across all sectors region-wide.
The Community urged all stakeholders involved with West African development goals—to reaffirm shared values while consolidating previous gains—so future generations benefit from improved stability along with expanded economic opportunities throughout this part of Africa.