Akpabio tasks ECOWAS on unity, economic stability
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday tasked West African countries on unity and economic stability to foster growth and development in the subregion.
Akpabio made this call in his speech during the First Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, in Abuja.
In his address titled “One Region, One Dream: Advancing the Promise of West Africa,” the Senate President
He said even if physical land borders divide the lands, they must never divide their purpose.
Akpabio urged the ECOWAS parliamentarians to use their opportunity of converging in Abuja to renew their pledge to build a united West Africa where the regions’ economies would thrive, cultures flourish, and children inherit a legacy of peace, prosperity, and unshakable unity.
The Senate President said, “ECOWAS was never meant to be a concept; it was meant to be a clarion call to every West African. Our journey to greatness has just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region.
“This is the hope with which I stand before you at this 2025 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament to give a keynote address.
“As we gather here in Abuja, the beating heart of our great region, we must remind ourselves of the foundational vision of ECOWAS – a vision of a united, economically robust, and politically stable West Africa.
“It was this dream that inspired our founding fathers to create a community where the barriers of borders would dissolve into corridors of collaboration, where our economic strength would fuel prosperity for all, and where our political unity would stand as a bulwark against external interference.
“Today, as we face the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, this vision remains as critical as ever.
“Yet, we must also confront the hard truths of our present reality. Despite the undeniable strides we have made, significant challenges persist – challenges that demand our immediate attention and decisive action.
“One such challenge is the quest for economic stability in our region. The strength of any economic community lies in its ability to foster trade, attract investment, and create prosperity for its people.
“However, currency volatility, inflation, economic disparities, and the pressures of global financial markets continue to hinder the full realisation of our collective potential.
“The promise of a unified regional currency, a cornerstone of our economic ambitions, holds great potential for simplifying trade, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing the global competitiveness of our businesses.
“Yet, we must be clear-eyed about the path to achieving this – it demands fiscal discipline, monetary coordination, robust financial infrastructure, and mutual economic trust.
“At this critical juncture, we must rekindle the spirit of unity and solidarity that has always defined us as a people.
“Let us resolve to speak with one voice on the global stage, to stand together against external economic pressures, and to chart a course for our region that prioritises the welfare of our people above all else.
“As we deliberate in this Parliament, let our decisions be guided by the timeless wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“Though it may seem impossible, I believe that together, we can overcome our challenges, forge a path to prosperity, and build the West Africa of our dreams.”
