ECOWAS PARLIAMENT WARNS OF CRISIS AS COMMUNITY LEVY DEFICIT GROWS

The ECOWAS Parliament has raised concerns over a growing deficit in community levy contributions, with many member states failing to meet their financial obligations.

The alarming situation came during the closing ceremony of a two-day induction session for newly elected parliamentarians, led by Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima, held on the sidelines of the ongoing 2024 Third Extraordinary Session of the 6th Legislature in Lomé, Togo.

Highlighting the critical moment for ECOWAS operations, Anna Jagne, Director of Finance and Administration for the ECOWAS Parliament, said 2024 represents a significant low point in community levy compliance, placing the future of ECOWAS’ operations at risk.

Non-payment by certain member nations is threatening the very effectiveness of ECOWAS as a regional body. Jagne stated.

She noted that the community levy defined under Article 40 of the bloc’s Financial Regulations accounts for 70-90% of ECOWAS’ budget. Yet, many countries are failing to remit the required funds.

 

Anna noted that the levy, set at 0.5% on goods imported from non-member countries, is critical to funding the bloc’s institutions and initiatives, and stressed the need for greater accountability, urging member states to step up and ensure project implementation is not derailed.

Responding, Nigerian MP Awaji-Inombek Abiante noted the economic hardships plaguing many West African countries that have contributed to the growing deficit.

Our economies are struggling, and nations are being forced to prioritize domestic needs over regional obligations. 

The health of our economies is directly tied to the remittance of the community levy. When our economies falter, contributions inevitably decline. Abiante said.

He called for a long-term strategy to address the economic challenges, warning that without stronger regional economies, remittance shortfalls would persist.

Strengthening our economies is key to solving this issue. he added.

Meanwhile, Gambian MP Darbo Alhagie reiterated the call for immediate action to hold defaulting countries accountable.

We must identify the nations that are not remitting their levy payments and apply pressure. If this issue continues, it won’t just cripple Parliament but will affect all ECOWAS institutions. Alhagie warned.

 

He emphasized the need for urgent measures, stating, 

The longer this drags on, the more ECOWAS will suffer across the board.

On her part, Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima applauded the engagement of parliamentarians during the session, stressing that the discussions were crucial to the future of ECOWAS.

This gathering has enriched our understanding of ECOWAS’ roles and responsibilities. We, as parliamentarians, are the custodians of our people’s aspirations, and it is essential that we secure the resources necessary to fulfill that role. Ibrahima said.

As the region grapples with economic uncertainty, the pressing question remains: Will ECOWAS member states rise to the challenge and secure the financial stability needed to strengthen regional cooperation?

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