ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Parliament has concluded its first extraordinary session of 2026, reaffirming its commitment to deepening regional integration, strengthening democratic governance, and accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The session, held in Nigeria, ended with calls for stronger collaboration among member states to address security threats, economic vulnerabilities, and climate-related challenges confronting West Africa.

In her closing remarks, the Speaker of Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima,

expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people for hosting the three-day legislative gathering. He specifically commended the administration of Bola Tinubu, President of the Nigeria, for providing a conducive environment for parliamentary deliberations. He also acknowledged the contributions of the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice, and the Office of the Auditor-General, describing their participation as a strong demonstration of institutional unity within the regional bloc.

Lawmakers spent the session reviewing the strategic importance of the AfCFTA, while also highlighting implementation challenges across West Africa. Participants raised concerns over persistent non-tariff trade barriers, slow harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure deficits that continue to limit cross-border commerce.

The Parliament also expressed concern about the risk of marginalizing women, youth, and informal traders if supportive policies are not strengthened to ensure inclusive economic growth across member states.

The Parliament adopted its 2026 Programme of Activities, built around four priority pillars: citizen participation, institutional strengthening, peace and governance, and policy facilitation. Legislators described the programme as a practical roadmap toward building a more citizen-centered regional parliament capable of delivering measurable developmental impact across West Africa.

The session also endorsed the 2026 programme of the ECOWAS Forum of Women Parliamentarians, reaffirming the role of women legislators in advancing regional development and economic empowerment. Members stressed that regional cooperation remains essential amid ongoing political transitions, security challenges, and climate pressures across the subregion.

The Parliament concluded by urging member states to translate legislative ideas and policy recommendations into practical reforms and inclusive development programmes at the national level. Legislators emphasized that West Africa’s future prosperity depends on stronger political unity, enhanced economic cooperation, and sustained democratic governance.

ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration

United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reinforced its strategic partnership with Bayelsa State following a high-level working visit by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, underscoring deepening cooperation on security reform, youth resilience and women’s political empowerment.

Lever’s three-day visit centred on consolidating gains recorded under the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme—locally known as the Brighter Futures Programme—which targets vulnerable young people at risk of recruitment into criminal networks.

Officials said the initiative has achieved an 80 per cent diversion rate, equipping participants with vocational skills, mentorship and psychosocial support designed to redirect them toward productive livelihoods. With the programme’s current phase concluding in March 2026, full ownership will transition to the Bayelsa State Government, marking a significant step in institutionalising crime prevention efforts at the state level.

During talks with Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy High Commissioner reviewed the programme’s impact and explored avenues for expansion into additional local government areas and high-risk communities. In recognition of his sustained commitment to youth protection and crime prevention, the UK formally designated Governor Diri as a Prevent Ambassador.

The delegation also met with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, to discuss advancing women’s political participation and strengthening leadership opportunities for women and girls. Conversations focused on expanding support systems that promote inclusive governance and long-term social stability.

Engagement with civil society formed a key component of the visit. Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation and International Federation of Women Lawyers shared perspectives on governance, youth vulnerability, media responsibility and community security trends. Participants emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government and civic actors in safeguarding peace and accountability in the Niger Delta.

Mrs Lever also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom. Discussions highlighted the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion, mediating local tensions and supporting positive youth engagement.

At a town hall meeting in Amarata, beneficiaries of the SOC Prevent Programme recounted how skills training and mentorship had opened new economic opportunities, steering them away from organised crime. The event showcased tangible outcomes in communities such as Amarata and Amassoma, where youth empowerment initiatives are gaining momentum.

The visit comes ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the UK on March 18–19, 2026—his first since assuming office and the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The visit, hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle, is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties under the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework.

Speaking at the end of her visit, Mrs Lever praised Bayelsa’s proactive approach to youth protection and inclusive governance.

“Bayelsa is demonstrating that with strong leadership and community collaboration, young people can be empowered to choose opportunity over crime. The progress here provides a model for sustainable, community-driven security reform,” she said.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting long-term stability, women’s empowerment and grassroots development in Bayelsa through partnerships spanning government institutions, traditional authorities and civil society organisations.

United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa

Court Judgment Final: Abah Unor Accused Of Illegal Land Sales By Ogwashi-Uku

The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as “a calculated campaign of misinformation” by elements within the Abah Unor community over land lawfully adjudicated to Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

At the center of the controversy is land currently occupied by Soarstar College of Nursing Sciences Ltd, which the Palace insists forms part of property conclusively awarded to the Trustees of the proposed Anioma University of Science and Technology, Ogwashi-Uku in Suit No. O/5/2006.

JUDGMENT DELIVERED — WRIT EXECUTED
According to Palace Secretary Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the matter is not a pending dispute but a concluded case. The High Court entered judgment in favour of the University Trustees and affirmed the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku as lawful custodian and owner of the land.
Following the judgment:
• A Writ of Possession was duly issued.
• Court Bailiffs executed the writ.
• Officers acting under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police supervised enforcement.
• Legal possession was formally delivered to the judgment creditors.
“This is not a political issue. It is a judicially determined matter,” the Palace stated.

ATACHE RIVER IDENTIFIED AS NATURAL BOUNDARY
The litigation survey plan, tendered and relied upon by the court, clearly delineates the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Abah Unoh at the Atache River, with Abah Unor situated across the river.

The Palace maintains that any claim by Abah Unor to lands before the river contradicts documentary evidence placed before the court and already adjudicated upon.

ALLEGATIONS OF CONTEMPT AND FRAUDULENT SALES
The Palace further alleges that despite losing in court and failing in attempts to set aside the judgment, certain individuals within Abah Unor have begun offering portions of the adjudicated land for sale to estate developers.
“If proven, such acts amount to trespass and potential contempt of court,” the statement said.

The Trustees emphasized that restraint was initially exercised out of consideration for representations made by the Nursing School proprietors. However, the alleged fresh attempts to alienate land already under writ of possession have now escalated the situation.

WARNING TO LAND SPECULATORS
The Palace issued a stern caution to developers and land buyers:
“No person can acquire valid title from a party who is not the rightful owner of the property especially as a court of competent jurisdiction has already determined the ownership of the property in question.” Nobody touched the Nursing School that is on our land. For the owner who had pleaded and appealed to us at the time of the court execution to turn around and make unfounded false allegations is frankly disappointing and will attract the necessary legal response.

Security assistance for enforcement of the writ was lawfully approved under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, and the Palace insists that any obstruction of court officials or law enforcement agents will attract criminal and legal consequences.

“RULE OF LAW, NOT SENTIMENT”
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, according to the Palace, remains committed to peace and legality but will not permit judicial decisions to be undermined through media theatrics.
“This Kingdom believes in the rule of law. The judgment is there for all to see. Attempts to whip up sentiment cannot override a subsisting court order. We are not on a Nollywood set. We are happy they as they have claimed to have written to the DSS, Police and others because we want those agencies to warn them to stay clear of the land in question.”

The Trustees reaffirmed their readiness to take all lawful steps necessary to protect the land and ensure that the sanctity of the judiciary is preserved.

Court Judgment Final: Abah Unor Accused Of Illegal Land Sales By Ogwashi-Uku