The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pledged to enhance security and economic integration, as well as consolidate democracy in West Africa region.

ECOWAS leaders made this pledge in Lagos, during the official opening of a 3-day Retreat, organized by the permanent representative committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS-PRC).

The ECOWAS-PRC committee is made up of all ambassadors of ECOWAS Member States accredited to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

The Directorate of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, in a statement said, the committee, will discuss regional peace and security, deepening economic integration, institutional reforms, early warning, ECOWAS Vision 2050 and strengthening the role of the PRC, among others.

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While welcoming members of the PRC, the Permanent Representative of Guinea Bissau and Chair of the PRC, Amb. João Ribeiro Butiam Có, noted that strengthening peace and security and improving democracy and good governance is imperative for the growth of the region.

He encouraged his colleagues to brainstorm during the retreat to come up with recommendations.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed members of the PRC to Lagos State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Mr. Sam Egube, the Governor said that as a people and as nations, “we are stronger together through integration”.

In his opening remarks,

the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Omar Touray, appreciated the efforts of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) in strongly advocating for better and stronger Community, and the pursuit of peace and prosperity in our region.

The theme of the 3 day retreat is, “Post Reformed ECOWAS: Prospects for Consolidating Democracy, Enhancing Security, and Strengthening Economic Integration Towards Actualising the ECOWAS of the People”.