Trade Within ECOWAS Thrives Informally, Says Nigerian Lawmaker
Hon. Ahmed Munir, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has shed light on why intra-ECOWAS trade remains underreported, despite robust activity across the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament’s delocalised joint committee meeting on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines in Lomé, Togo, Munir, who represents Lere Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, revealed that a significant volume of trade among ECOWAS citizens occurs informally and is not captured in official GDP figures.
According to the lawmaker, there is a lot of trading going on, but it is in the informal sector hence it is not being properly documented.
Munir, who is also the Deputy Chair of ECOWAS Infrastructure Committee, called for deliberate efforts to formalise informal trade in order to broaden economic inclusion, boost regional GDPs and grant traders access to funding and protections.
On regional integration, Munir emphasised the urgent need to improve connectivity particularly air and road transport.
He said, you cannot integrate properly if people and goods cannot move freely noting that the Lagos-Dakar highway project is already in motion, with provisions captured in Nigeria’s budget.
He also advocated for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure development, encouraging private investors to play a role in road construction and maintenance through tolls and tax incentives.
Despite challenges, Munir is optimistic about ECOWAS’ future stressing that with a population nearing 400 million and the spirit of cooperation seen, there’s plenty of hope,”
He compared the vision for regional aviation to the mobile phone revolution in Africa, but expressed confidence in ECOWAS’ ability to transform trade, tourism, and education through greater regional cohesion.
As ECOWAS marks 50 years, Munir acknowledged past milestones and urged unity in navigating the future.
