• 28 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

ECOWAS Celebrates 50 Years in Lagos, Sets Vision for 2050.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 50th anniversary celebrati

ons in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme *“Stronger Together for a Brighter Future.”* The event reflects a renewed commitment to regional unity, economic development, and integration.

As part of the commemoration, ECOWAS presented its long-term strategic plan aimed at transforming the bloc from a union of governments into a people-centered community. The new vision, titled “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All,” is targeted for full realization by 2050 and encourages active citizen participation across the region’s population of approximately 300 million.

ECOWAS was founded on May 28, 1975, when 15 West African leaders signed the Treaty of Lagos. These founding nations included Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Cabo Verde joined in 1977. Mauritania, the only Arabic-speaking member, withdrew in 2000 but rejoined as an associate member in 2017.

Currently, ECOWAS has 12 active members following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

To mark the milestone, a symbolic reenactment of the original treaty signing took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, highlighting the historical roots of the organization. This was followed by the official anniversary ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, with dignitaries and partners from across West Africa in attendance.

The day will conclude with a high-level roundtable discussion titled *“ECOWAS, an African Model @50: Resilience and Future Prospects.”* Former ECOWAS leaders and experts will share insights on the organization’s evolution, challenges, and future path.

ECOWAS, originally formed to promote regional economic cooperation, now operates across a wide range of sectors, including trade, transport, energy, agriculture, communications, and cultural affairs. The bloc has a combined GDP of around \$735 billion.

In 2007, the ECOWAS Secretariat became the ECOWAS Commission, led by a President, Vice President, five Commissioners, and an Auditor-General. Its operations are largely funded through a 0.5% levy on imports from non-ECOWAS countries.

Today, ECOWAS is focusing on implementing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing unity and removing remaining barriers to full integration among member states.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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