`The Nigerian Delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament led by the Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau has stressed that regional solidarity is the greatest weapon to tackle the challenges confronting the country.
The 35-member delegation while presenting the country report of Nigeria at the ongoing 2025 first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja at the weekend said Nigeria remains resolute in its conviction that regional solidarity is its greatest strength.
The Nigerian delegation identified the challenges facing the country as; security, governance, economic resilience, climate change, and human development.
“In confronting the complex challenges of our time—ranging from security and governance to economic resilience, climate change, and human development,
Nigeria remains resolute in its conviction that regional solidarity is its greatest strength.
“As we reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles and ideals of ECOWAS, let us with sincerity acknowledge that the path forward will require courage, innovation, and unwavering unity of purpose.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria stands ready, shoulder to shoulder with our fellow member states, to help shape a West Africa that our people not only depend on but are truly proud to call their own.”
In the report, the delegation said Nigeria has continued to eeaffirm its commitment to deepening democratic principles and promoting good governance, maintaining that in terms of political participation, the country recorded monumental gains in democratic consolidation with significant electoral activities at the sub-national level.
In terms of peace and security, the delegation noted that Nigeria’s national security faced significant challenges across various parts of the country during the period under review.
“Off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states in September and November 2024, respectively, were successfully conducted, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) party emerging victorious in both states, signalling continuity in regional leadership.
“These elections are generally peaceful and orderly, demonstrating the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“In the North-East, the military’s sustained counterinsurgency campaign under ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ prompted the surrender of over 1,400 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) combatants in the final quarter of 2024.
Meanwhile, in the North-West, coordinated air and ground offensives across Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina states led to a substantial reduction in reported banditry incidents during the same period.
“At sea, the Nigerian Navy intensified patrol operations in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing to a notable decline in maritime piracy, very much lower than incidents recorded during the corresponding period in 2023,” the delegation told the Parliament.
The delegation led by the Deputy Senate President, Barau, included Ireti Kingibe, Ali Ndume, Osita Izunaso, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Jimoh Ibrahim, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Onyeka Peter Nweboyi and Asuquo Ekpenyong.
Others were the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Bamidele Salam; Abiante Awaji-Inombek; Blessing Onuh Onyeche; Manuchim Umezuruike, amongst others.
