As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, Nigerian activist Bishir Dauda has taken to the road for a 50-day journey across West Africa, engaging with citizens and civil society groups on the achievements and challenges of the regional bloc.

On Tuesday, Dauda arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, marking a key milestone in his journey, which began on April 1. His mission is to assess public perceptions of ECOWAS’ impact and to advocate for stronger regional integration, democracy, and security.

During his visit, he met with officials at the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s office before holding discussions with youth groups, civil society organizations, and local citizens. The people of Benin Republic commended ECOWAS’ contributions in trade liberalization, free movement, and peacekeeping but also voiced concerns over governance issues, electoral fraud, and security threats.

A recurring theme in the discussions was the need for ECOWAS to accelerate the introduction of the ECO, the proposed single currency, and to engage diplomatically with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to prevent further fragmentation of the bloc. Calls for a more robust enforcement of ECOWAS’ democratic protocols and increased youth and women empowerment programs also dominated the conversations.

Security emerged as a pressing issue, with citizens advocating for the full deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism and armed conflict. Additionally, support for flagship infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool was emphasized as crucial for economic growth.

“The people of West Africa want peace, stability, and a more effective ECOWAS,” Dauda stated. “They urge all stakeholders to act as ambassadors of unity and progress.”

As his journey continues, Dauda remains committed to amplifying the voices of West Africans, ensuring that their aspirations and concerns are heard by policymakers.