ECOWAS urges member states to fulfil financial obligations amid budget crisis

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appealed to its member nations to prioritise the payment of their community levies, as the regional bloc faces mounting financial challenges due to a number of countries defaulting on their obligations.

The community levy, a 0.5% charge on goods imported from outside the ECOWAS region, is the lifeblood of the organisation’s finances, accounting for between 70% and 90% of its annual budget. As such, delays or failure to remit these funds have begun to impact the effectiveness and operations of ECOWAS institutions.

Speaking at the opening session of the 37th Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC), held in Abuja, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, emphasised the pressing need for member countries to meet their financial commitments, warning that the organisation’s stability and progress hang in the balance.

“Our organisation stands at a critical juncture, requiring the resilience to overcome the challenges impeding integration and to move forward confidently into the future,” she said. “But above all, we must recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity, and fraternity. Advancing together in development, peace, and stability is invaluable.”

Tchintchibidja expressed appreciation to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his unwavering leadership. She also acknowledged the support of other regional leaders for their roles in guiding the bloc’s institutions towards integration and sustainable development goals.

Reiterating the importance of collective responsibility, the ECOWAS Vice President reminded delegates that the success of the regional body lies in the hands of all West Africans.

“ECOWAS belongs to all of us, you, me, and every citizen in our community,” she said. “Its existence depends on our collective commitment, solidarity, fraternity, and our shared ambition to build a more prosperous, forward-looking region.” She further noted that this shared ambition forms the basis of the theme for ECOWAS’s upcoming Golden Jubilee.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, called for strategic foresight and collaboration among members of the AFC. He urged participants to channel available resources into initiatives that will yield concrete benefits for citizens across the sub-region.

However, in his remarks, Ambassador Olawale Awe, Chair of the 37th AFC, lauded the active participation of member countries at the meeting, describing it as a strong indication of their commitment to the ECOWAS integration agenda.

Meanwhile, the outcomes of the mid-year gathering are expected to guide policy decisions in the coming months, as the Commission seeks to reinforce its focus on efficiency, regional unity, and impactful service delivery throughout West Africa.