ECOWAS parliament adopts revised rules to boost transparency, governance

The ECOWAS Parliament has taken a major step to reinforce transparency, accountability, and effective governance within its structures.

Meeting in Abuja for its First Ordinary Session of 2025, the regional lawmakers unanimously adopted a revised version of their rules of procedure.

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The updated document was presented by Honourable Billay G Tunkara, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee behind the reforms. Tunkara, who also serves as Fourth Deputy Speaker, outlined key amendments.

Among the changes, members who miss one-third of an ordinary session without justification now risk disciplinary action, including suspension of sitting allowances.

The new rules also promote gender and language balance in committee appointments, prohibit derogatory remarks towards fellow members and Heads of State, and formalise a dress code reflecting the Parliament’s dignity. Additionally, a quorum of 50+ members is now required to commence a session.

In a move to preserve impartiality, the ECOWAS parliament rules stipulate that the Speaker may only take part in debates after temporarily vacating the chair to a Deputy Speaker.

The adoption of the ECOWAS parliament rules is expected to enhance attendance, discipline, and the overall quality of debate in the ECOWAS Parliament.

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