May 21, (THEWILL) – As the ECOWAS Parliament legislative meeting entered its second day in Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf urged the regional parliament to revisit the issues of common currency and passport.
Yusuf said this would enhance the region’s economic viability and global competitiveness.
The Governor spoke on Tuesday, at the opening ceremony of the sixth legislative meeting of the Parliament at Bristol Hotel, Kano.
He also emphasised the need to address citizenship issues among member countries, regional security, integration, environmental and natural resources challenges, higher education, employment, poverty and democratic volatility.
He expressed concern about the proliferation of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition in the region and called for concerted efforts to combat the menaces.
Despite these challenges, Yusuf noted that the West African regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $633 billion as of 2023, highlighting the region’s potential to become a significant global player.
He, however, cautioned against allowing global powers to turn the region into a dumping ground for finished goods, stressing that Africa is not a dumping ground for global markets.
The ECOWAS Parliament, known also as the Community Parliament, is one of the institutions of ECOWAS. It is the Assembly of the People of the Community serving as a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus for representatives of the people of West Africa, with the aim of promoting integration.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
