ECOWAS Chief Meets Trade Task Force and Russian Ambassador
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has met with a delegation from the Task Force on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), led by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
Dr. Ibn Chambas informed President Touray that the current task force’s mandate will conclude in December 2025. He presented the findings from the group’s final meeting, held in Abidjan in early July 2025, and outlined recommendations to enhance the scheme’s operational effectiveness.
The Role of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme
The ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme is a cornerstone of the region’s economic integration, established to create a Free Trade Area. As a key instrument for building the Common Market, the ETLS facilitates the free movement of goods and persons.
The Task Force’s mission is to ensure the scheme’s success through arbitration, the amicable settlement of disputes between Member States, and advocacy with national political authorities.
Discussions with Russian Ambassador
In a separate meeting, President Touray also received H.E. Andrey Podelyshev, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. The two officials held talks on matters of mutual interest.