The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emphasised the need for fairness, inclusivity, and regional solidarity in the allocation of leadership roles within its institutions, as ministers from across the region convened in Abuja for a high-level meeting.
The Ad-hoc Ministerial Meeting on the Rotation of Statutory Appointees of ECOWAS Institutions officially opened on Tuesday at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters.
The meeting marked a key step in the review process for the distribution of statutory positions for the 2026–2030 term, as current mandates near completion between July and October 2026.
Chairing the session, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Ad-hoc Committee, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stressed the importance of equitable representation across member states, especially in light of recent institutional reforms that have reduced the number of available statutory positions.
“We are fully aware that the appointment of statutory positions within ECOWAS institutions remains a matter of considerable importance and sensitivity among member states.
“This issue has become even more delicate in recent times, given the reduction in the number of statutory positions available following the implementation of the ECOWAS institutional reforms,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu lamented.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged committee members to focus on regional unity over national interests, cautioning that their roles should not be seen as avenues for personal or national gain.
Instead, she called for a collective approach rooted in the principles of equity, balance, and the long-term interests of the community.
“In this context, our committee must be mindful of the need to uphold fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of statutory positions within the ECOWAS institutions.
“It is also essential that the aspirations of all member states, particularly those with smaller populations or limited resources but who have nonetheless demonstrated unflinching commitment to the organisation, are duly recognised and accommodated,” the minister stated.
The ad-hoc committee was established following a resolution adopted during the 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in June. It includes representatives from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.
Also speaking at the opening session, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, welcomed the delegates and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a smooth and transparent leadership transition process.
He noted that the proposed allocation framework under review is based on the 2012 Supplementary Act and supported by data dating back to 1975.
“The expectation is that the ad-hoc committee will review this proposal with the broader interest of the Community at heart,” Touray said, while commending Nigeria for hosting the session.
The committee is expected to finalise its recommendations for submission during the statutory meetings of the Council of Ministers in December.
A final decision will then be made by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.