Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to regional equity and leadership as it hosts the ECOWAS Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee Meeting on the Rotation of Statutory Appointments in Abuja. The high-level gathering is a key step toward ensuring fair representation across the sub-region in leadership roles within ECOWAS institutions.
The meeting brought together foreign ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from ECOWAS member states to deliberate on the allocation of statutory positions for the 2026–2030 term.
Nigeria Reaffirms Regional Leadership Role
Representing the host nation, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, opened the session by emphasizing Nigeria’s dedication to fairness, inclusivity, and regional balance in the governance of the West African bloc.
“Our presence here today reflects the significance we collectively place on the crucial task before us—one that lies at the heart of our regional integration agenda,” said Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu. “Nigeria will continue to assume its traditional leadership role by constructively engaging with all member states to build consensus and ensure that our decisions reflect equity and a shared vision for the future of our community.”
Upcoming Transition in ECOWAS Institutions
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the tenure of the current statutory appointees—serving non-renewable four-year terms—will end between July and October 2025, urging the committee to finalize its recommendations before the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in December 2025.
She also reminded the committee members that their roles should serve the collective interest of the region, not national ambitions.
“Our membership of this committee should not be construed as a pathway to positions of leadership within ECOWAS institutions,” she said. “Rather, our engagement should prioritize the collective interest of the community above national aspirations.”
ECOWAS Commission Backs Transparent Process
In his remarks, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray commended Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for hosting the meeting and supporting the community’s goals.
“Permit me to extend our deep appreciation to our host, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Government and people of Nigeria for their traditional hospitality,” said Dr. Touray.
He explained that the process is guided by the 2012 Supplementary Act on the Modalities for the Allocation of Statutory Positions, which empowers the Council of Ministers to recommend appointments to the ECOWAS Authority based on proposals from the Commission.
“It is our expectation that the Ad Hoc Committee will review the proposal with the broader interest of the community at heart,” he added.
Ensuring Regional Equity and Institutional Reforms
The eight-member Ad Hoc Committee comprises Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. The committee is tasked with reviewing historical data on statutory appointments dating back to 1975, to ensure continuity, fairness, and equitable distribution among member states.
Dr. Touray also emphasized that this meeting is part of ongoing ECOWAS institutional reforms aimed at reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and promoting deeper regional integration.
“This meeting marks another milestone in our efforts to make ECOWAS institutions more responsive and reflective of the region’s diversity and unity,” he said.
