ECOWAS Cautions Against Fragmentation and  Disunity Across the Sub-region

The First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Jibrin Barau, has cautioned member states against fragmentation and isolation in the pursuit of shared regional objectives, such as the implementation of the AfCFTA.

He was speaking during the proceedings of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament on Monday in Abuja.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Hon. Barau, who is also Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, reiterated that deeper integration is critical for West Africa to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy.

He cautioned that fragmentation and isolation could potentially marginalize the region, urging member states to unite economically and politically to secure markets, defend democracy, and safeguard prosperity.

The AfCFTA, he said, represents a historic restoration of Africa’s traditional interconnected trade systems, noting that pre-colonial West Africa thrived through commerce and cooperation across borders.

He called for the full implementation of AfCFTA commitments, including harmonized standards, efficient ports, transparent customs systems, and digital trade infrastructure to reduce costs and empower entrepreneurs.

Hon. Barau averred that insecurity and political instability remain major obstacles to integration, noting that economic cooperation and political stability are mutually reinforcing pillars that must be strengthened simultaneously.