Strengthening cooperation between ECOWAS and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the fields of Industry, Trade and Investment

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke ODUWOLE, in the run-up to the fourth joint meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI) scheduled for May 2025.

The Commissioner took the opportunity to congratulate the Minister on her appointment to this strategic position for the economic development of Nigeria and assured her of ECOWAS’ willingness to strengthen the existing collaboration between the ECOWAS Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The discussions focused on the preparations for the fourth meeting of ECOMOTI, whose rotating presidency is held this year by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In addition, the two dignitaries addressed the issue of the need to harmonise the positions of ECOWAS Member States in the run-up to the next meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the meeting on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Furthermore, the Commissioner took the opportunity to inform the Minister that, as part of the activities planned for the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of ECOWAS, a Conference on Trade, Investment and Economic Diversification is to be held in Lagos, Nigeria. The Minister welcomed the initiative and asked to be informed in good time to enable her Department to participate fully.