The Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Yusuf Tuggar, has called on the 6th legislature of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to amplify the values of bloc by increasing its visibility through programmes and projects that have direct beneficial impacts on our citizens.
He said this at the inaugural session of the 6th legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.
The Minister said through the parliament’s usual oversight functions, it would contribute immensely towards the realisation of the objectives.
Ambassador Tuggar who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers said they will continue to engage more robustly as well as collaborate with the Parliament, as the closest representatives of the Community citizens.
“For us at the Council of Ministers, we look forward to more robust engagement and collaboration with the Parliament, as the closest representatives of the Community citizens. This is with a view to amplifying the values of ECOWAS and increasing its visibility through programmes and projects that have direct beneficial impacts on our citizens. Through its usual oversight functions, the Parliament would contribute immensely towards the realisation of these objectives,” he said.
The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister while spoking on the importance of the ECOWAS Parliament particularly in the promotion of regional integration agenda, democracy, good governance, peace and stability in West Africa, appreciated the 5th Legislature, especially its Speaker, Sidie Mohamed Tunis for their invaluable contributions to the regional parliament and the bloc.
“As Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, I had the privilege of working with the 5th Legislature, and witnessed first-hand, their commitment to advancing the goals of our organization. Indeed, the 5th Legislature’s extensive work enhanced the efficacy of ECOWAS Community Institutions and their programmes.
“In the face of the various challenges confronting our region, including peace, stability, security, as well as the unity of our region, the role of the Parliament is more important than ever. The balance between executive, judicial and legislative arms is critical for effective, responsive and transparent governance.
“This was recently demonstrated by the key role played by Senegal’s judiciary in ensuring that national elections were not delayed. ECOWAS is no different. Let us remember that democracy is a process not an event. The Parliament, and other Community Institutions, are of vital importance in promoting democracy and regional stability,” The Minister said.
He however, urged the 6th legislature to continue to work in synergy with the ECOWAS Commission and other institutions that serve as the executive and judicial arms of the organization.
“Collaboration between the Commission, Court and Parliament is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programs that benefit our citizens. I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other bodies and to align your efforts with the broader objectives of ECOWAS.
“Furthermore, I urge the new members of Parliament to ensure that your positions on key issues are harmonized with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Consistency in our collective stance will strengthen our voice on the international stage and prevent any perception of disunity within our organization.
The event has in attendance, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray and the Speaker of the 5th ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis amongst others.
