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Cabinet officials

ECOWAS Council of Ministers Calls for Urgent Action on Non-Tariff Barriers to Boost Trade and Integration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers has emphasized the need for urgent action to eliminate non-tariff barriers that hinder trade and economic integration in the region. During the 94th session of the Council, held in Abuja, Nigeria, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, stressed the commitment of ECOWAS institutions to promoting regional integration and sustainable development. The Council has identified non-tariff barriers as a major obstacle to regional trade, investment, and economic growth, and has called for cooperation among Member States to address the challenges posed by these barriers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has called for urgent action to eliminate non-tariff barriers that hinder trade and economic integration in the region.
  • The Council has identified non-tariff barriers as a major obstacle to regional trade, investment, and economic growth.
  • The ministers have examined the issue of non-tariff barriers within the framework of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
  • The ministers have urged Member States to take necessary steps to sign the Cooperation Agreement between the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and Member States on the implementation of competition and consumer protection rules within ECOWAS by the end of June 2025.
  • The ministers have approved the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Promotion Strategy and called on Member States to accelerate the ratification of the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement and the AfCFTA.

Statistics:

  • 58 ECOWAS standards (ECOSTANDS) related to the textile value chain have been established.
  • Progress has been made on the Industry Standards Harmonisation Model (ECOSHAM), the revised ECOWAS Quality Infrastructure Scheme document, and the mutual recognition agreement for inspection certificates.

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, June 19, 2025
  • ECOWAS Commission, 94th session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja, Nigeria

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