As West Africa navigates turbulent times marked by widening inequality, raging insecurity, and the effects of climate change, the role of civil society is entering a new era. At the heart of recent discussions in Abuja, Nigerian and regional advocacy groups pressed ECOWAS—the Economic Community of West African States—to make these concerns central to its mission for greater regional unity and progress.
ECOWAS Under Pressure: A Call for Real Change
In a face-to-face session with Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, leaders of Oxfam in Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) delivered a direct message: Without urgent intervention on inequality, the foundation of West African stability could be at risk.
John Makina, Oxfam’s Country Director for Nigeria, described the region’s inequality crisis as “more severe than many other parts of Africa.” According to Makina, the disparities are not just statistics but painful realities—especially for people in rural communities, women, and youth, who contribute massively to local economies yet face ongoing exclusion.
“This isn’t merely a policy debate,” Makina stated. “It’s a lived struggle for millions. Without deliberate action, inequality will continue to erode peace and hinder inclusive development across West Africa.”
What Civil Society Is Proposing
During the discussions, Makina acknowledged ECOWAS’s previous commitments to humanity, rural integration, and inclusive growth. But he urged the commission to do more than talk—to translate those promises into policies that deliver measurable benefits for ordinary West Africans.
To support this push, Oxfam, with CISLAC and regional partners, has crafted a new strategy framework for 2024–2029. This document lays out a civil society roadmap for effectively engaging with ECOWAS and working together to tackle entrenched inequality.
“Our approach is both practical and aspirational,” Makina explained. “We want ECOWAS to be held accountable, but also to see us as partners who bring community wisdom and frontline insight to the table.”
Reducing Inequality: More Than a Choice, a Necessity
Adding his voice emphatically, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, called the inequality challenge an existential threat to both democracy and economic sustainability.
“Tackling economic inequality is no longer optional. It is essential for achieving true progress,” Rafsanjani argued. “The most unequal societies are often the least stable. If we allow inequality to grow unchecked, it will sap hope, frustrate development, and prevent us from realizing the grand vision of a united West Africa.”
He tied the commission’s ambitions firmly to the will of the people, adding, “The ECOWAS Vision 2050 promises a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and integrated region. But that vision is meaningless unless democracy is strengthened, elections are credible, and leadership truly serves all—not just a privileged few. We must rebuild trust in governance and show that it’s possible for every citizen to benefit.”
Rafsanjani also recognized ECOWAS for standing firm against unconstitutional power grabs, but said further action is needed so that democracy produces tangible improvements in living standards.
Climate Justice and the New Threats Facing West Africa
Both Oxfam and CISLAC urged ECOWAS leaders to address the emerging impact of climate change. For many rural communities, changing weather patterns directly affect livelihoods—most notably through the intensification of farmer-herder conflicts as competition for arable land grows fiercer.
Underlying it all is the call for climate justice: ensuring that those most exposed to climate risks, often with the fewest resources, receive fair protection and support. This, civil society leaders argue, must be built into the agenda for regional integration.
Data and Realities: The Inequality Challenge by the Numbers
- According to the World Inequality Database, West Africa remains one of the most unequal regions globally in terms of income distribution.
- UNICEF Nigeria reports that more than 10 million Nigerian children are out of school—a number that reflects wider issues of social exclusion.
- Climate shocks, such as devastating floods and prolonged droughts, cost the Nigerian economy an estimated $3.8 billion annually (2022 figures, World Bank).
- The rural-urban wealth gap and gender disparities continue to widen, with youth unemployment rates in Nigeria soaring above 40% (NBS, 2023).
The Policy Road Ahead: Turning Vision Into Action
Responding to civil society’s demands, ECOWAS President Dr. Touray welcomed the strategic pressure. “Civil society remains a cornerstone of our regional integration process. The voices of ordinary citizens, channelled through organisations like Oxfam and CISLAC, help keep us accountable and focused,” Touray said.
He reiterated ECOWAS’s core priorities: maintaining peace, ensuring security, strengthening trade, and addressing emerging threats. He noted increasing challenges such as the spread of disinformation, the proliferation of deepfake content, and weaknesses in regional educational systems—all of which threaten stability.
Touray urged CSOs to expand their local outreach, sensitizing the public not only about rights but also about responsibilities under ECOWAS protocols. “We need well-informed citizens who understand both what they deserve and what is expected of them.”
On climate change, Touray acknowledged the growing dangers: “We recognize how climate shocks are fuelling intercommunal conflicts. ECOWAS is prepared to work hand in hand with civil society, mobilizing communities for climate adaptation and action before instability worsens further.”
Local Perspectives and Community Voices
Grassroots activists and everyday Nigerians echo the sentiments shared at the summit. Fatoumata Diallo, an activist based in Lagos, explained, “We’ve long seen how extreme inequality breeds tension. It’s not just about money, but about who has power and who gets left behind.”
Ekow Mensah, an entrepreneur from Ghana, added, “Too many young people feel there are no opportunities. If ECOWAS and member governments don’t create pathways for inclusion, we risk losing an entire generation to despair.”
Regional and Global Significance
The issues faced by West Africa mirror challenges across much of Africa and other developing regions, making these debates relevant well beyond Nigeria or ECOWAS. On the international stage, the United Nations and global development partners are closely watching how ECOWAS responds—especially as it prepares to unveil new SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) reports and scorecards.
According to Global Policy Watch analysts, West Africa could set a precedent for effective civil society-government cooperation if ECOWAS rapidly adopts inclusive policies drawn from local realities. Such a move, they argue, could inspire reforms across Africa and beyond.
Challenges Ahead and the Need for Accountability
Despite optimism, obstacles remain. Many observers point to political instability, uneven enforcement of regulations, and inadequate grassroots funding as persistent stumbling blocks.
- Political will: Sustainable change hinges on whether political leaders are willing to prioritize systemic reforms over short-term gains.
- Accountability: It is crucial for civil society to regularly monitor ECOWAS commitments and hold member states responsible for meaningful progress on the agreed agenda.
- Resource mobilisation: Funding and technical support from international agencies, national governments, and the private sector are vital for long-lasting impact.
Looking ahead, CISLAC announced it would soon release its 8th Annual SDG 16 Shadow Report at the United Nations General Assembly, reinforcing the importance of tracking West Africa’s progress in areas like justice, inclusion, and effective institutions.
Conclusion: Building a Fairer, Safer, and Greener West Africa
The call for ECOWAS to put inequality, security, and climate justice at the forefront of its regional strategy is a bold but necessary step. For ordinary Nigerians, Ghanaians, and their neighbors, the hope is for real change that will create jobs, reduce poverty, foster peace, and protect vulnerable communities from climate shocks.
As momentum grows, the spotlight is now firmly on ECOWAS and member governments to work hand-in-hand with civil society, moving beyond policy statements into practical reforms that transform people’s lives for the better.
What actions do you think ECOWAS should prioritize to build a more equal and secure West Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay connected for further updates and in-depth regional analysis.
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