The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers held its 93rd Ordinary Session on Thursday at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.

Chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the meeting focused on critical issues, including governance, economic policies, and regional integration.

In his opening remarks, ECOWAS President Omar Touray expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people for their continued support of the regional bloc.

Touray highlighted the urgency of the session, citing the pressing challenges facing the West African region. He revealed that the Council would deliberate on 30 key agenda items, including trade, security, agriculture, and regional stability.

The ECOWAS President also raised concerns about the decline in community remittances, noting that member states had contributed only 40% of expected remittances over the past six years.

On a positive note, Touray commended the peaceful elections held this year in Liberia, Senegal, Togo, and Ghana, describing them as a testament to the growing importance of democratic values in the region.

He called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to ECOWAS principles and work collectively to overcome the region’s challenges.