The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged member states of the Economic Community of West African States to recommit themselves to the ideals of regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.

He also implored all the countries in ECOWAS to remove trade barriers by ensuring free movement in the West African corridor and build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but also inclusive and equitable, as well as a region where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

A Monday statement noted that Sanwo-Olu spoke at the opening ceremony of the Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.

He said the anniversaries were testaments to the vision, resilience, and collective will of the people of West Africa to build a united, prosperous, and peaceful region.

“We must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. We must deepen economic integration by removing barriers to trade, investment, and the free movement of people.

“We should promote peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering dialogue and reconciliation. We must also empower our youth by investing in education, innovation, and job creation.

“We should also address climate change by adopting sustainable practices and building resilient communities,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said he was particularly proud of the role Lagos had played in the ECOWAS journey, noting that “As the economic and cultural hub of West Africa, Lagos has long been a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunity.

“Our state has served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for.

“Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its mission to deepen integration and improve the lives of our people. We recognise that the challenges we face – whether in security, economic development, or climate change – require collective action and shared solutions.

“Lagos stands ready to collaborate with ECOWAS and its member states to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of our region,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the seminar, “ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament toward Attaining Regional Integration Achievements,’ Sanwo-Olu said the two regional organisations had shaped the destiny of West Africa.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja  Ibrahima, said ECOWAS had achieved a lot in 50 years in many sectors, including economic and peacekeeping.