ECOWAS tasked on implementation of protocol on free movement

ECOWAS tasked on implementation of protocol on free movement

The Nigerian government says full implementation of ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Goods, Services and Residency Right and Establishment, is central to realising the sub-region’s development objectives.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, made the statement at the 67th session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja on Monday.

He pointed out that although steady progress had been made in the realisation of the protocol, more effort was needed.

In his words, “We need to double our commitment to the realisation of the developmental programmes of our regional organisation.

“Agricultural development, resource development, infrastructural development and renewable energy, such as solar power, should be our focus for our sustained development.''

He added that achieving the objectives was pertinent to addressing the challenges of food shortages, high cost of energy, low investment capital and human capacity development faced by the sub-region.

The minister also said that achieving the development objectives of the sub-region would enable sustained financial support from development partners.

The ECOWAS President, Amb James Gbeho, said that in spite of over six per cent economic growth recorded in the sub-region, preventive measures must be taken to avert the effect of global crises.

Gbeho said “It must be stressed that global crises will eventually impact negatively on our economies and this is the time to adopt preventive measures.

“The southern and eastern African communities are adopting measures to integrate their markets to meet new challenges and remain competitive in the global market; West Africa has to respond appropriately to these new challenges.''

Issues to be addressed by the council

He said that reports on the state of the region’s external partnership, especially with the EU, as well as trade and economic relations with emerging economies, would be presented to the council.

He said that measures taken by the commission to implement the authority’s decision on the new commission would also be presented to the council.

Among issues to be addressed by the council is the presentation of the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Generation and Transmission of Electrical Energy.

The report of the Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Assistance and Internal Displacement in West Africa held in July in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital would also be presented.

Other issues are the consideration of a memorandum on issues related to the Air Transport Sector and the proposal of a draft agenda for the next Summit of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, among others.

NAN/Adekusibe/Williams