ECOWAS Lawmakers Adopt Ambitious 2026 Agenda, Tackle AfCFTA Hurdles in Abuja Session

By Linda Ike

The ECOWAS Parliament’s Sixth Legislature ended its landmark first extraordinary session of 2026 on a high note Saturday, after a seminar dissecting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

ECOWAS Speaker, Mémounatou Ibrahima declared it closed with gratitude flowed to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for hosting, alongside thanks to parliament’s bureau, members, experts, and sister ECOWAS institutions symbolizing community solidarity.

Debates during the session exposed AfCFTA’s promise tempered by real hurdles: persistent non-tariff barriers, slow legal harmonisation, poor infrastructure, and exclusion risks for vulnerable groups. Rather than rejection, Ibrahima framed these as calls for step-by-step action, tasking MPs with advocacy, oversight, and awareness to build transparent regional trade.

She highlighted the key outcome as approval of the 2026 activity program built around four pillars, citizen participation, institutional strengthening, peace and governance, and facilitation aiming for a citizen-oriented Parliament. ECOFEPA’s women-led program was also endorsed as a vital integration force.

Ibrahima warned against isolation amid regional fragility, urging the Parliament to amplify its voice for good governance and economic unity, turning words into state-level policies.