Nigeria has called for fairness, inclusivity, and regional balance in the distribution of statutory positions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, appealed on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open an Ad hoc Ministerial Meeting on the Rotation of Statutory Appointees of ECOWAS Institutions.
According to her, the meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of member states to upholding the principles of equity, regional balance, and institutional integrity within ECOWAS governance.
“I want to assure you that, as part of our enduring commitment to the ideals of regional integration and solidarity, Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all member states to build consensus and ensure that our collective decisions reflect both equity and a shared vision for the future of our Community,” she said.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored the importance of the committee’s mandate, noting that it lies at the heart of ECOWAS’ integration agenda. She emphasized that every member state, regardless of its population size or resource capacity, deserves fair recognition and representation, provided it demonstrates a commitment to the bloc’s objectives.
She further cautioned that membership of the Ad-hoc Committee should not be mistaken for a direct path to leadership within ECOWAS institutions but should instead reflect a shared dedication to the common good of the sub-region.
“Our task is to review the Commission’s proposals and submit our report to the Council of Ministers in December 2025 for its final consideration and subsequent recommendation to the Authority,” she said, urging members to ensure meaningful and impactful outcomes.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in his remarks, recalled that the current management of ECOWAS Institutions would complete their tenure by July 14, 2026. He reaffirmed that the allocation of positions must comply with the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions and relevant articles of the ECOWAS legal framework.
“The Commission’s proposal was developed with due regard to historical data and the 2012 Supplementary Act. We expect the Committee to approach this with the broader interest of the Community at heart,” Touray stated.
Positions expected to be filled include those of ECOWAS President, Vice-President, Commissioners, and Judges of the Community Court of Justice, as well as the Auditor-General and the Directors-General of GIABA and WAHO.
The six-member Ad-hoc Committee, comprising representatives from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, is expected to review the allocation framework before forwarding its recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for final approval.
The rotation system within ECOWAS ensures equitable representation across member states and promotes institutional inclusivity through non-renewable four-year terms for appointees.
(NAN) | (www.nannews.ng)
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