Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have concluded the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers with a renewed commitment to strengthening peace, security and economic integration across the sub-region.
This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, following the three-day meeting held from December 10 to 12, 2025.
In his closing remarks, the Chair of the Ministerial Council and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to member states for what he described as open, constructive and productive deliberations, noting that the discussions reflected the collective resolve of ECOWAS to advance shared prosperity and regional cohesion.
He commended the active participation of delegates and paid special tribute to the Government and people of Nigeria for hosting the session, as well as to conference secretaries, foreign representatives and technical teams for ensuring the smooth conduct of the meeting.
During the session, ministers examined pressing challenges confronting the region, including terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of small arms, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, unconstitutional changes of government, gaps in economic integration and the growing impact of climate change. While acknowledging the seriousness of these threats, the Chair stressed that they could be overcome through unity, solidarity and a balanced combination of diplomatic and operational responses.
The Council also reviewed political developments in some member states, reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law as non-negotiable principles. On economic integration, ministers underscored the urgency of accelerating initiatives such as the ECOWAS Single Currency, Free Movement Protocols and the Customs Union.
Humanitarian and climate-related concerns featured prominently, with calls for coordinated regional responses to food insecurity, displacement and natural disasters. The Chair urged member states to translate decisions into concrete action, sustain cooperation and strengthen coordination with ECOWAS institutions.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to the Community, he formally declared the session closed.
