By Segun Ajayi
Late last year, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat disclosed that no fewer than 6,000 people entered Lagos on a daily basis, with about 3,000 staying back with no known addresses. A staggering 6,000 visitors daily underscores the state’s resilient as the preferred destination for many people in the quest of residency and commerce. With a population estimated at 27 million, this year’s N3 trillion total budget, out of which N1.7 trillion (or 59%) is for capital expenditure is actually small compared to other modern cities across the world.
Moreover, the city’s strength to withstand pressures, while taking giant developmental leaps also reinforces Lagos’ profile as one of world’s fastest growing cities. This is a city that has so many things going for it — rich history, huge commerce, politics, culture and entertainment hub. Interestingly and at given opportunities, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had flaunted these intimidating credentials to give a narration of Lagos as a destination of choice.
Many Nigerians would have expected the celebration of 50 years of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and 25 years of its parliament to have been held in Abuja, the headquarters of the regional body. But the treaty establishing ECOWAS was signed in Lagos in 1975 and the former federal capital was headquarters of the regional bloc until 1998. For these, among other reasons, it was convenient for the body to track back and return to the very source to celebrate the golden jubilee, which held at the Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.
As chief host, Sanwo-Olu was at the opening ceremony of a three-day parliamentary seminar marking the anniversary. There, he recalled the multi-dimensional importance of Lagos to the economic bloc. For the governor, the position of Lagos as the economic fulcrum of the West African body couldn’t overemphasised.
He was particularly proud of the role Lagos played in the ECOWAS journey, noting ‘as the economic and cultural hub of West Africa, Lagos has long been a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunity. Our state has served as a gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS stands for’. The governor then urged the member states to continue to ignite the spirit of cooperation and integration among the countries of West Africa even as they recommit themselves to the ideals of regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and united West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu lent credence to Article 3 of the ECOWAS treaty, which underscores the aims and objectives. From the enviable position of being West Africa’s economic hub and the fifth largest economy in Africa, Sanwo-Olu stressed the pole position of the aquatic state in promoting co-operation and integration, leading to the establishment of the economic union. In the light of that, the governor implored ECOWAS nations to remove trade barriers by ensuring free movement along the West African corridor and by extension build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but inclusive, equitable, as well as ensure a region where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Good that ECOWAS states operate a trade agreement that allows the free movement of citizens and goods. Juxtaposed with the volume of trading among members, what obtains negates the vision and mission of the founding fathers which is to foster relations, enhance economic stability and raise the living standards of West African peoples. Apparently unimpressed by the existing trading pattern the governor reiterated, ‘we must strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective. We must deepen economic integration by removing barriers to trade, investment, and free movement of people’.
Granted that trade and investment thrive in an atmosphere of peace, the Lagos helmsman didn’t lose sight of this as he urged ECOWAS to live up to the mandate of ensuring peace and security in West Africa. ‘We should promote peace and security by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering dialogue and reconciliation. We must also empower our youths by investing in education, innovation, and job creation’, he said while urging the parliamentarians to introduce legislations that would also address climate change “by adopting sustainable practices and building resilient communities.”
On the theme of the seminar, “ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament Towards Attaining Regional Integration Achievements”, Sanwo-Olu said that the two regional organisations had shaped the destiny of West Africa. He said: ‘From fostering economic cooperation to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic governance, ECOWAS has proven to be a beacon of hope and progress. The establishment of the ECOWAS Parliament in the year 2000 further strengthened this vision by providing a platform for dialogue, representation, and the advancement of regional policies. Today, ECOWAS stands as a shining example of what is possible when nations come together in pursuit of a common goal.
‘The ECOWAS Parliament, as the voice of the people, has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional agenda. Over the past 25 years, it has championed the cause of integration, advocated for the rights of citizens, and provided a forum for addressing the challenges facing our region. From promoting free movement and trade to supporting peacekeeping missions and electoral processes, the parliament has been at the forefront of our collective efforts to build a stronger, more united West Africa’.
The First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, who is also Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, said that the community had ensured cooperation, dialogue, and economic prosperity. He appreciated Sanwo-Olu for hosting the celebration of ECOWAS at 50 and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament. He also commended the Governor for several infrastructural projects of his administration in different sectors.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima pointed out the choice of Lagos for celebration of ECOWAS Golden Jubilee was crucial to highlighting the significant role of the state as the host for the Treaty of Lagos signed in 1975.