The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Parliament has adopted UA21,005,052 as its budget for the 2023 financial year.
The adoption of the budget at the 2nd Extra-Ordinary Session in Lome, Togo was in accordance with Article 16 of the Parliaments Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of Parliament, and in line with Rule 111, paragraph 2 of its Rules of Procedure.
The Speaker of the Parliament, RT. Honourable, Sidie Mohamed Tunis while adopting the budget presented by the Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget which indicated a zero percent increase from the 2022 budget said it will be utilized judiciously for the purpose it was made for.
The budget report indicates that “UA 20,900 which represents 99% of the total budget will be sourced from payment of Community Levies by Member State, while the remaining 1% will be from other sources.
“The total estimated expenses for the 2023 budget is UA 21,005,52 out of this amount, UA 182,294 representing 1% was allocated to governing body expenses; UA 7,009,178 representing 33% is allocated to administrative expenses; UA 13,690,10 representing 65% was allocated to programs, while UA 123,568 representing 1% was allocated to contingencies.
Highlighting the program area covered by the budget, Senator Ali Ndume led Committee said that the 2023 budget will cover the five strategic goals and objectives of the Parliament.
“In 2023, in view of the Strategic goals and objective, this total amount is allocated to key activities for the achievement of the five strategic goals of the Parliament and also to provide funds to cover operational costs including Parliamentary Sessions, Ordinary and Extraordinary Sessions.
“We also have Parliamentary oversights activities for the implementation of Community activities by ECOWAS Institutions, Sensitization Campaigns on Community Programme, Parliamentary diplomacy in the areas of prevention and resolution of conflict, democracy, and good governance and Human right, relations with Civil Society Organizations and other Community Institutions and development partners, Delocalised Committee Meetings, participation at International forum, relation and working with National Parliament, women empowerment programs, Parliamentary fact-finding missions, capacity building for members and staff administrative expenses” the budget disclosed.
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