Members of Parliament within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pushed for major reforms to the regional bloc, cautioning that worsening insecurity, weakening democracy and economic difficulties could undermine regional integration in West Africa.
The discussions were held during the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. During the session, lawmakers examined a proposed “Compact of the Future of Regional Integration”, designed to redefine the organisation’s political and economic direction ahead of an upcoming summit of West African leaders.
The framework was introduced by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah. He said the initiative aims to transform the organisation under its Vision 2050 agenda by shifting from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of the Peoples.”
According to Musah, the bloc is currently confronted with multiple challenges, including terrorism, coups, poor enforcement of regional agreements, rising youth unemployment, gender inequality and falling confidence in regional institutions.
He described the proposed pact as both a reform programme and a strategy to preserve regional integration. Musah stressed that achieving its goals would require strong political commitment, institutional accountability, sustainable funding, citizen participation, parliamentary oversight and proper implementation by member states.
The compact proposes measures to improve democratic governance, strengthen regional security cooperation, boost trade within Africa, fast-track industrial growth and create a common digital market across West Africa. It also aims to increase opportunities for women and young people while reinforcing ECOWAS institutions and compliance systems.
Debates intensified over coups, sanctions and tensions involving Sahel countries. The discussions come at a sensitive period for the 15-member bloc after military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which later formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following deteriorating ties with ECOWAS.
A number of lawmakers argued that ECOWAS had not been consistent in enforcing democratic standards, especially regarding constitutional changes by civilian leaders seeking to remain in power longer.
One legislator, Hon. Adama, said leaders within the AES believed ECOWAS criticised military coups while overlooking constitutional manipulations by elected governments.
Another parliamentarian said the bloc must prioritise creating jobs and economic opportunities to reduce risky migration to North Africa and Europe.
The lawmaker further stated that ECOWAS should stop depending on external forces and instead become a stronger and more self-driven regional institution, similar to the European Union’s federal structure.
Questions were also raised about the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on member states during political crises. Some MPs argued that such penalties mostly affect ordinary citizens rather than political elites.
One legislator warned that sanctions often punish the population instead of leaders and urged the ECOWAS Parliament to take a more active decision-making role.
Another major issue raised during the session was whether the ECOWAS Parliament should move beyond its advisory role and become a legislative institution with binding authority. Several lawmakers supported the idea, saying stronger enforcement powers were necessary to ensure regional agreements are respected.
Despite support for reforms, some MPs expressed doubts about implementation, pointing to ECOWAS’ past struggles in achieving key objectives.
Hon. Abiante questioned whether the new compact would succeed where earlier programmes had failed. He also raised concerns about renewed engagement with AES countries.
Financial sustainability was another major concern during the debate. Lawmakers noted that ECOWAS continues to face funding problems because some member states have fallen behind on levy payments.
Hon. Keitta reminded colleagues that several countries still owed significant arrears, while others called for the bloc to become financially independent.
The discussions also covered plans for a single regional currency, attracting investor confidence and increasing women’s participation in governance. Hon. Fatmata urged members not to ignore the proposed target of 40 percent female representation.
Some lawmakers additionally expressed concern about foreign influence on ECOWAS policies and called for greater regional independence in international affairs.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay welcomed the reform proposals, saying citizens wanted to see tangible results and stronger visibility from ECOWAS. She also appealed for renewed dialogue with AES countries, warning that instability in the Sahel could threaten security across the wider region.
Responding to lawmakers, Musah assured Parliament that the concerns raised during the debate would be incorporated into the revised document before it is presented to ECOWAS heads of state.
He added that Parliament’s role within the regional bloc should go beyond simply offering advice.