Leaders and stakeholders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have renewed calls for deep institutional reforms and financial independence, urging member states to reduce reliance on foreign aid and development partners.
This charge came during the opening of the 37th meeting of the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee held in Abuja on Sunday. Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Darma, challenged the committee to rethink the region’s dependence on external support and instead intensify internal resource mobilisation.
“As experts entrusted with deliberating on administrative and financial affairs, I encourage you to reflect on the shift in global dynamics—particularly the changing approach of international aid, as demonstrated by the United States Agency for International Development,” Darma said.
He warned that this evolving model of international assistance, already impacting West African nations, could soon be replicated by other global partners. “Let us develop continuous strategies to effectively utilise our internal resources and gradually eliminate dependency on foreign aid. That is our long-term goal,” he added.
Darma also commended recent institutional upgrades, including the installation of new translation equipment at the ECOWAS Secretariat, as a step toward operational efficiency and self-sufficiency.
Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Olawale Awe, highlighted key financial and structural challenges—particularly in the wake of the recent exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. He emphasized the need for the remaining member states to fully comply with the ECOWAS community levy to sustain the bloc’s programmes and development objectives.
“Now more than ever, member states must uphold their obligations, particularly the prompt payment of levies, to ensure ECOWAS can function effectively despite the recent withdrawals,” Awe urged.
Addressing human capital concerns, he called for equitable recruitment practices, prioritizing merit, compassion, and inclusiveness across all ECOWAS institutions. “The exit of three member states requires a renewed effort to address existing vacancies and to realign staffing needs in a balanced and transparent manner,” he noted.
Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the critical need for collective regional action to tackle security and political instability.
“Our region is undergoing a crisis. We must accelerate political and security reforms to respond effectively to the new reality. The future of ECOWAS depends on our shared commitment to peace and stability,” Tchintchibidja said.
She also stressed the importance of unity among member nations, calling solidarity ECOWAS’s greatest strength.
ECOWAS, formed in 1975, currently comprises 15 West African countries with a shared mission to foster economic integration, political stability, and regional cooperation. However, the bloc faces rising challenges, including economic strains, military coups, insecurity, and declining foreign support.
In early 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—nations under military rule—formally announced their departure from ECOWAS. Their decision was attributed to disagreements over sanctions and accusations of external interference.
Meanwhile, recent global developments have further complicated matters. According to reports, over 90% of the U.S. foreign aid administered through USAID has been slashed under ongoing policy shifts, with more than $60 billion in global assistance cut, affecting many countries in Africa.
In this climate of uncertainty, the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee remains pivotal, overseeing financial planning and human resource management across the bloc’s institutions.
As ECOWAS confronts growing internal and external pressures, leaders are making it clear: reform, responsibility, and unity are no longer optional—they are essential.
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