Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has tasked ECOWAS leaders to fast track the communitys’ integration process.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the regional body in Abuja, Nigeria, President Buhari proposed the adopting of new policies and pushing existing ones to promote more investments in the energy and transport sector.
“We need to fast track the integration process, and the most effective way to do so is through accelerated and focused investments in key development sectors including but not limited to energy,transportation, as well as road and rail networks.
Power Crisis
Some member states including Ghana and Nigeria are going to power crisis. This was identified as a major obstacle to investments in the region.
“As we make individual efforts to boost power supply in our respective countries, we should accelerate the implementation of critical infrastructure such as the West African gas pipeline project, while remaining committed to the promotion of alternative and renewable energy sources said President Buhari.
Achievements
The founding fathers of ECOWAS were commended for their vision and achievements on the common external tariff and trade liberation scheme to realise a common currency regime.
“Records and reality on the ground indicated that considerable progress had been achieved said President Buhari.
On the eve of its 40th anniversary, the West African Regional Body has been touting its achievements for the past four decades.
It says the interest of more than 300 million ECOWAS citizens are being “served through the accelerated implementation of sectoral programmes” to create wealth. ECOWAS also pats itself on the back for entrenching democracy among member states, its efficiency in dealing with conflicts and restoring stability to member states caught up in conflict.
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