Governance Woes Imperil West African Union, Says Bauchi Governor
Ecowas Struggles Due to Inadequate Governance and Trust Issues - According to Bala Mohammed
At Christ Church College, University of Oxford, during the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on May 9, 2025, Bauchi State's Governor, Bala Mohammed, unveiled his concerns about the fragility of ECOWAS, attributing its predicament to institutional corruption and lackluster leadership.
Mohammed's speech resonated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo's keynote address, where the elder statesman highlighted the ominous consequences of mistrust, poor cooperation, and unchecked power dynamics among leaders in ECOWAS.
An appalling "crisis of governance," Mohammed argued, wages a silent war on West African citizens daily. Yet, he believes the region can rise above this daunting predicament, as demonstrated by reforms championed in Bauchi State, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
"The West African Community is perilously tottering due to inept governance, an insidious trust deficit among leaders, and a callous disregard for accountability," Mohammed emphasized, addressing a gathering of scholars, diplomats, and policymakers.
ECOWAS' current predicament is compounded by significant political and economic disruptions, as evidenced by the recent withdrawals of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These nations find themselves at odds with ECOWAS following their exodus, underscoring widening regional fissures.
Security threats, such as terrorism and extremism, remain a daunting concern, as the region grapples with regional stability, particularly in the wake of key member states' withdrawals from the union.
Moreover, realizing economic integration and development eludes ECOWAS due to persistent governance, corruption, and implementation issues that shackle the region's natural resources and human capital.
Health challenges compound the region's compounding woes, as ECOWAS attempts to cope with viral disease outbreaks.
To combat these daunting challenges, ECOWAS must undergo transformative restructuring to tackle its strategic and developmental issues head-on.
Also notable:
- Bala Mohammed Amplifies the Roots of Persistent PDP Turmoil
- A gathered PDP delegation descends on Ibadan for a landmark meeting [Complete Attendee List]
- Governor Bala Mohammed Augments Political Aides for Reinforced Governance
- ECOWAS Mulls Institution Relocation from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Following Withdrawal
- Insider Exposes Heated Exchange Between Tuggar and Bauchi Deputy Governor
- Tinubu Urges Unity, Collaborative Economic Strategies, and Dialogue at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Celebration
[Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Despite Nigeria, known colloquially as Naija, being a key member state, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces challenges, as governance woes have created a trust deficit among leaders.
- Bauchi State's Governor, Bala Mohammed, highlighted this when he pondered whether ECOWAS' future rests on policy-and-legislation that fosters accountability and good governance, rather than on Abuja's political dynamics.
- As the region battles with persistent health challenges andComplex policy-and-legislation, governors like Bala Mohammed look to implement reforms seen in their respective states, like addressing healthcare concerns.
- However, the shape of ECOWAS might change, as there is talk of relocating its institutions away from nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which decided to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- Famous political figure Tinubu, at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Celebration, urged unity, collaborative economic strategies, and dialogue to help the region overcome its predicament, emphasizing the interconnectedness of West African countries in these politically challenging times.
