At the 37th meeting of the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee held in Abuja on Sunday, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were urged to embrace financial independence and institutional reform by reducing reliance on foreign aid.
Speaking at the opening session, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Professor Nazifi Darma, called on member states to focus on internal resource mobilisation and stamp out corruption.
“As experts tasked with deliberating on our financial and administrative matters, we must consider the impact of the evolving global order — particularly changes driven by the United States,” Darma said. “A key concern is the new model adopted by USAID, which may soon become the standard among other development partners. This underscores the urgency for ECOWAS to strategise toward complete financial self-reliance.”
Darma also cited the recent upgrade of translation facilities at the ECOWAS Secretariat as a step toward improved operational efficiency.
Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Olawale Awe, addressed the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, stressing the need for the remaining members to honor their financial commitments.
“Now more than ever, member states must fully comply with the ECOWAS community levy. This is essential for sustaining the region’s programmes, especially following the exit of three member countries,” he said.
Awe further highlighted staffing challenges within ECOWAS institutions, urging that vacancies be filled with a focus on merit, compassion, and regional representation.
Call for Unity and Urgent Reform
Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, acknowledged the mounting crises facing the region and advocated for collective action.
“Our region is undergoing significant challenges. It’s critical that we unite to reassess our priorities and push for lasting solutions,” she said. “Political and security reforms must be accelerated to reflect our changing reality. The success of ECOWAS depends on our shared commitment to peace and stability.”
Tchintchibidja also emphasised unity among member states as a cornerstone of ECOWAS’s strength.
Founded in 1975, ECOWAS comprises 15 West African nations working toward economic integration, political stability, and regional cooperation. However, the bloc has recently grappled with political unrest, economic setbacks, and a deteriorating security situation.
In 2023 and early 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — all governed by military juntas — announced their departure from ECOWAS. Their decision was in protest against sanctions and perceived foreign interference in their domestic affairs.
Adding to the bloc’s challenges, an Associated Press report in February 2025 revealed that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump had slashed more than 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts — cutting over \$60 billion in global aid. The implications of this shift continue to ripple across aid-dependent regions like West Africa.
The ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee plays a pivotal role in overseeing financial and human resource operations across the bloc’s institutions.
