ECOWAS Urged to Pursue Financial Autonomy and Reform

ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been urged to reduce its dependence on foreign aid and development partners, and instead focus on internal revenue generation and institutional reform.

This call was made by Professor Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, during the opening session of the 37th ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee meeting in Abuja. He emphasized the need for member states to maximise their internal resources and eliminate corruption, warning that changing global dynamics—particularly U.S. foreign policy—may reduce external financial support.

“The global order is shifting, especially with the U.S. changing its approach to aid through USAID. Other partners may follow suit,” Darma stated. “We must urgently begin planning for self-reliance and phase out all forms of foreign assistance.”

He cited recent improvements, like the upgraded translation systems at the ECOWAS Secretariat, as steps toward greater institutional efficiency.

Committee Chairman, Ambassador Olawale Awe, highlighted the impact of recent withdrawals by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, stressing the need for full compliance from the remaining member states with ECOWAS community levies. He also called for urgent staff recruitment to address vacancies caused by the departure of the three countries.

“We need to ensure all vacancies are filled based on merit and regional representation,” Awe noted.

The ECOWAS Commission Vice President, Damtien Tchintchibidja, acknowledged the current political and security challenges in the region, emphasizing the need for unity and accelerated reform.

“Our region is in crisis. We must work together to implement meaningful political and security changes,” she said. “The strength of ECOWAS lies in our solidarity.”

Established in 1975, ECOWAS comprises 15 countries and aims to foster economic and political integration in West Africa. However, recent years have seen rising instability, economic challenges, and the exit of three military-led member states.

Reports from February 2025 revealed that the Trump administration cut over 90% of USAID’s aid contracts and slashed more than $60 billion in global assistance—an action that could significantly impact regions like West Africa.

The Administrative and Finance Committee continues to play a vital role in managing ECOWAS’s financial and human resources.

Punch

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