The President of the ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, has officially closed the Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature, highlighting key achievements including the adoption of the 2026 budget and groundbreaking deliberations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance.
The four-day session, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, brought together ECOWAS parliamentarians, regional experts, and stakeholders to discuss forward-thinking solutions for regional integration, technological advancement, and democratic development in West Africa.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of West African Governance
In her closing remarks, President Ibrahima underscored the significance of the parliamentary seminar on Artificial Intelligence, calling it a milestone moment for regional legislative transformation.
“The seminar allowed us to explore AI’s immense potential to modernize our work, strengthen accountability, and bring our institutions closer to citizens,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for a regulatory framework that balances innovation with ethical responsibility:
“At the same time, we measured the ethical challenges it raises, particularly in the face of disinformation risks. Our reflections will form the foundation for a visionary framework anchored in human rights, inclusion, and democratic values.”
ECOWAS Parliament Adopts 2026 Budget of UA19.6 Million
Another major highlight of the session was the approval of the ECOWAS Parliament’s 2026 budget, estimated at 19,636,030 Units of Account (UA).
President Ibrahima stressed that the budget is more than a financial plan—it is a strategic tool for fulfilling the Parliament’s mission.
“This budget is the engine of our commitment to the people of West Africa. It will enable us to implement key recommendations from the AI seminar and ensure transparent management of public funds,” she noted.
Appreciation for Nigeria’s Support and Regional Collaboration
The ECOWAS Parliament President expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the institution’s activities. She also praised the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Rivers State Government for hosting the session successfully.
Special recognition was given to Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the House Minority Leader Onobu Kingsley Chinda
“Your contributions and commitment played a pivotal role in the success of this session,” she said.
Looking Ahead to ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th Anniversary
In a forward-looking moment, President Ibrahima announced that the ECOWAS Parliament will celebrate its 25th anniversary from November 14–16, 2025, inviting all stakeholders and member states to be part of the historic event.
“We count on your presence to mark this moment together,” she told the assembly.
Commitment to Unity, Peace, and Regional Growth
As the session concluded, Ibrahima called on ECOWAS lawmakers to continue championing integration and democratic values across the subregion.
“May our action, guided by dialogue and the ideal of integration, contribute to building—aligned with our ECOWAS Vision 2050—a community that is more united, stronger, more peaceful, and more prosperous,” she declared.
