The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohammed Tunis has lamented the reduction in remittance of Community Levy across the Member States in the Region.
The Speaker of the Community Parliament stated this in his opening remark at the 2022 Second Extraordinary Session of the Parliament in Lome, Togo.
Dr. Tunis disclosed that the Parliament has overtime relied on the resources from a collection of financial contributions across the region through a mechanism of Community levy, however, this collection in recent time according to the Speaker is experiencing decrees in its remittance.
“As we all know, Honorable Members, the resources of the Community are largely made up of the collection of financial contributions from the Member States. This community levy, which is a rate of 0.5% imposed on goods from Non-ECOWAS member states, is, therefore, the main source of financing for ECOWAS. It is supposed to cover between 70 and 90% of the community budget.
“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a low collection rate of the community levy, around 30% in recent years; this has the immediate consequence of reducing ECOWAS’ capacity to implement projects and programs, reducing the visibility of the Institutions among the citizens of the community, and slowing down the pace of economic integration”.
Dr. Tunis called on all MPs to intervene in their various countries bearing in mind the importance of the levy to the Region.
“I, therefore, would like to emphasize, once again, the need for our countries to pay the proceeds of the Community Levy regularly, avoiding the accumulation of arrears, to enable ECOWAS successfully implement its program of activities. I also urge Honourable Members to effectively use our connections with the executive branches of our governments to ensure prompt and timely remittances” according to the Speaker.
Unnecessary delays
Meanwhile, a Nigerian Parliamentarian at the ongoing Extra-Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lome, Togo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji has expressed dismay over the high level extortion and corruption across the region.
He said this while scrutinizing the COVID-19 status of travelers at entry points in member countries.
Umeoji said the scrutiny which is not only for Parliamentarians but for the entire ECOWAS citizens is appalling and frustrating as people are delayed unnecessarily despite presenting their certificates of immunization and other requirements.
“That type of scrutiny is a hindrance to the spirit of ECOWAS integration which involves free movement of goods and services.
“When you have such delay, it is discouraging even for foreign investors to think about coming to West Africa, so, we have to look into it.
“In some instances, you are made to part with five or ten dollars before you are attended to or delayed unnecessarily.
“This is the corruption we are talking about that must be discouraged as it is not obtainable in other climes” said Umeoji.
The lawmaker who suggested ways to tackle the menace said that the way forward is to adopt the procedures as it is done in other countries in Europe.
Emmanuel Ukoh
