Yusuf Tuggar, chair of the Council of Ministers of ECOWAS, has called for cooperation among member states toward advancing integration and welfare of people in the sub-region.

Mr Tuggar, the foreign affairs minister made the call while officially declaring the two-day 92nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers open on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the session had become important to enable member states to demonstrate commitment toward promoting regional cooperation and pursue a shared vision for peace, progress and prosperity for West Africa.

According to him, the session’s agenda reflects diverse and pressing issues the community faced, saying that today’s discussion and decisions would help shape the sub-region’s future trajectory.

Mr Tuggar said, “These deliberations will help us make informed decisions on resource allocation, policy adjustments and strategic priorities. Good informed decisions will support efforts to advance regional integration and address emerging challenges.

“As we commence deliberations on the numerous reports and memoranda, I urge all of us to engage in open and constructive dialogue. Our strength lies in our diversity, and it is through the sharing of our varied perspectives and experiences that we can devise innovative solutions to our common challenges.

“Let us approach these discussions with the mindset of cooperation and critical thinking, always keeping in mind the broader goal of regional integration and the welfare of our people.“

He explained that the session would look into the President’s 2024 ECOWAS Media Report, receive financial updates, the status of tasks assigned to community institutions and resolutions of the 35th Administration and Finance Committee.

He also considered presentations on a memorandum relating to recommendations of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, a memorandum on the implementation of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and outcome of the 28th GIABA Ministerial Committee meeting, amongst others.

On his part, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, commended Tuggar for his ministry’s support and commitment in providing necessary coordination for the effective operations of ECOWAS institutions.

He decried the lack of adequate contribution by ECOWAS institutions toward tackling socio-economic, political and security issues to have hindered growth in the sub-region.

According to him, as the demands for growth increase and the community challenges become more complex, ECOWAS financial situation dwindled.

He revealed that ECOWAS was yet to establish a framework for negotiation with authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on their decision to withdraw their membership from the community.

(NAN)