By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Abuja, Nigeria, May 19, GNA – Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has called on her counterparts in the West African sub-region to fast-track the harmonisation of trade standards to facilitate the free movement of goods across ECOWAS member states.
She made the call at the Fourth Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 13 to 15, 2025.
The Minister noted that the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should serve as a moment of reflection on the achievements of the past five decades and inspire member countries to chart a new path toward deeper economic integration.
She said regional economic empowerment remained a central objective of ECOWAS and that recent geopolitical realignments, global inflation, and disruptions in supply chains presented significant challenges to trade and industrial development within the sub-region.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare urged Ministers to leverage the current momentum to reset regional trade relations, accelerate the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, and advance the accession process to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The AfCFTA has the potential to transform Africa’s economy, with a projected GDP of £2.7 trillion or US$3.4 trillion by 2035, and significantly boost intra-African trade,” she said.
On infrastructure, the Minister called for a joint meeting between ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry and Ministers of Transport to address the persistent challenges facing transport and logistics in the region.
She cautioned that failure to tackle infrastructure and logistics issues could undermine efforts at boosting intra-regional trade and industrialisation.
The Fourth Joint Meeting reviewed a number of key trade issues including the outcomes of the 13th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference held in Abu Dhabi.
It also reviewed developments surrounding the AfCFTA, multilateral trading relations, and a draft cooperation agreement between the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and member states.
Mrs Massandjé Toure-Litse, speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to advancing economic integration across the region.
She said the Commission would continue to work on removing non-tariff barriers, enhancing quality infrastructure, and promoting regional value chains and investment.
Dr Paul Koffi Koffi, representing the President of the WAEMU Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with ECOWAS in tackling the common challenges facing the sub-region.
Senator John Owan Enoh, representing the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed optimism that the Ministerial Meeting would produce actionable outcomes on industrial development and intra-regional trade improvement.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Chairperson of the Fourth Joint Meeting, commended the Ministers for their strong engagement and reaffirmed the collective commitment to regional integration and economic growth.
GNA
ABD