The ECOWAS Parliament has launched a commemorative programme across seven member states to mark 25 years of service to the people of West Africa.

Speaker of the parliament, Hadja Ibrahima, announced the initiative at a press conference in Abuja, noting that the activities will run from January to November. She was represented by the Director of Parliamentary Affairs and Research, Kabeer Garba.

The programme will be held in seven member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo and Sierra Leone.

Ibrahima said the initiative aims to highlight the parliament’s contributions to democratic governance, regional trade, women’s inclusion and youth participation since its establishment on 16 November 2000 in Bamako.

She added that the year-long activities are designed to increase public awareness of the institution and its role in strengthening democracy and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States. The programme will also educate citizens on regional initiatives such as the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which many people in the region are still unaware of.