Regional Country Report: Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia

Presented at the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, in Abuja On Saturday 24th May 2025 the 5th day of Plenary seatings of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja, Nigeria. Country reports were presented by Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek, Hon. Veronica K. Sesay and Hon. Alhagie S. Darbo for Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia respectively. These reports highlighted key developments in political governance, security, human rights, health, socio-economic conditions, and progress toward the implementation of ECOWAS protocols and convergence criteria.

Nigeria Hon. Abiante emphasized that Nigeria continues to make steady progress in promoting good governance and upholding the rule of law. He said that the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development was underscored. He reiterated Nigeria’s firm belief in regional solidarity as a pillar of strength, affirming the nation’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with other ECOWAS Member States to build a prosperous and unified West Africa. While security challenges persist across various regions in Nigeria; which is the world biggest challenge . The Federal government Nigeria has deployed a range of strategic measures, including the adoption of digital surveillance systems, modern counterinsurgency tactics for border protection, and intensified naval patrols in the Gulf of Guinea. Notable military operations include coordinated offensives in the Northwest to reduce banditry, and in the Northeast, where “Operation Hadin Kai” led to the surrender of over 1,400 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters by late 2024 alone.

The Gambia Hon. Alhagie S. Darbo reported that The Gambia government has continue to strengthen national unity and inclusive governance through initiatives such as the Peace and National Cohesion Commission, which spearheads reconciliation efforts. Constitutional and electoral reforms are underway to reinforce democratic institutions, support for civil society involvement in policymaking and accountability mechanisms. Significant progress has been made in enhancing access to justice through comprehensive judicial reforms. These efforts are central to the country’s post-transition institutional transformation, aiming to boost judicial independence, transparency, and public trust—reflecting the government’s overarching commitment to democratic consolidation and the rule of law. While The Gambia remains largely stable, early warning signs of potential political unrest have emerged, particularly during electoral cycles and judicial proceedings involving figures from the former regime of President Yahya Jammeh.

Sierra Leone Hon. Veronica K. Sesay reported that Sierra Leone has made commendable strides in advancing human rights, especially in expanding access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable communities. The country remains strongly aligned with ECOWAS integration objectives, including the full implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), adherence to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols, and joint infrastructure and security collaboration within the Mano River Union. The security situation in Sierra Leone between November 2024 and April 2025 was classified at Level 1—indicating no known significant threats to national stability. The country enjoyed a calm and peaceful period, with no major security incidents reported. In conclusion, the presentations from Nigeria, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone collectively reflect a shared commitment to democratic governance, regional cooperation, and sustainable development in line with ECOWAS goals.