Boma Achenimie 
The joint committees of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have recommended the elimination of the residence permit requirement among member states.
The committees, which focus on various aspects such as Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights, presented their draft report to member states and the ECOWAS Commission on Thursday.
The report advocates for the abolition of the ECOWAS Residence Permit system, which is currently required for citizens of member nations who wish to reside in another ECOWAS country for an extended duration.
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The committees believe that this system hinders the free movement of citizens across the region.
The report also recommends comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens and government officials about regional agreements, including the Protocol on Free Movement.
Also, the parliamentarians have called for the assignment of officials at border posts to monitor and report incidents of extortion and other forms of misconduct.
The ECOWAS Commission has been urged to ensure that member states effectively execute all Community Texts ratified by Heads of State and Government.
The report emphasizes the necessity for full adherence to the implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card.
The joint committee has also requested a review of all ratified Community Texts at the national level to reduce discrepancies between regional Texts and national legislation.
This move aims to foster economic integration and collaboration among West African nations, in line with the ECOWAS Treaty signed in May 1975.
The recommendation will now go through plenary approval.
