Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing collapse due to failed leadership, weak institutions and mistrust among member states.
Mohammed stated this at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, during the ECOWAS 50th anniversary lecture held on May 9.
He said the region was battling a “crisis of governance” that negatively impacts the lives of its citizens.
“The West African Community is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional accountability,” he said.
The governor noted that the situation had led to widespread instability and underdevelopment in member countries.
He cited reforms in Bauchi State in education, health, infrastructure and economic empowerment as evidence that good governance is possible when leaders are accountable.
Mohammed’s comments aligned with those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also addressed the gathering.
Obasanjo warned that ECOWAS was at risk of fragmentation due to a breakdown in trust and cooperation among leaders.
He raised concerns over the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – all ruled by military juntas – which have distanced themselves from ECOWAS.
The Oxford event brought together diplomats, scholars and policymakers to deliberate on democracy, regional security and development in West Africa.
