Abuja (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Nuhu has described the forthcoming launch of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC) as a “game-changer” for regional integration.
Nuhu made this statement during a meeting of the Technical Working Group, which is finalising preparations for the inauguration of the 21-member council, scheduled to take place in Abuja later this year.
The EBC is envisioned as West Africa’s apex private sector regulatory body.
It aims to bring together a globally competitive and integrated business community and position the region as a preferred destination for investment in Africa.
Comprising members drawn from the private sector and regional business associations across West Africa, the EBC is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen regional integration.
Nuhu highlighted that the council was designed to tackle key challenges hindering the implementation of the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital.
He described the council as the long-awaited solution to issues obstructing the protocol’s effective functioning, especially in relation to the free movement, residence, and establishment of community citizens.
He expressed optimism that the EBC would help remove the barriers impeding seamless movement within the region, in line with ECOWAS’ vision for economic and social integration.
During the meeting, the technical working group reviewed the council’s key strategic documents, including its governance framework, communication strategy, handbook, logo, and programme ahead of the official unveiling.
Ambassador Mohamadou Njie of The Gambia, Chairman of the ECOWAS Ambassadors’ Economic Team in Nigeria attended the meeting..
Other participants included representatives from the German Development Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and ECOBANK.
Also in attendance were representatives from Dangote Group, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, regional business associations, and the African Business Roundtable.