ECOWAS Parliament adopts stricter rules to boost transparency, discipline,  gender balance

he ECOWAS Parliament has introduced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, discipline, and gender balance within its operations. 

The ECOWAS Parliament has introduced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, discipline, and gender balance within its operations. 

This was as it adopted a revised version of its Rules of Procedure during the First Ordinary Session of 2025 held in Abuja, Nigeria on Thursday. 

The updated framework introduces far-reaching reforms aimed at promoting discipline, inclusivity, and professionalism within the regional legislative body.

The amendments, which were unanimously adopted by lawmakers, were presented by Billay G. Tunkara, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rules Reforms and Fourth Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. 

Tunkara said the revisions were designed to align the Parliament’s internal practices with international standards of parliamentary conduct and to improve the efficiency of its operations.

Among the key reforms is a new attendance requirement: any member who misses one-third of an ordinary session without valid justification now faces disciplinary measures, including the suspension of sitting allowances. 

This measure is expected to discourage absenteeism and encourage more active participation in legislative proceedings.

The revised rules also introduce significant measures to foster gender equity and linguistic diversity in committee appointments, ensuring fairer representation across the region’s member states. 

In addition, members are now explicitly prohibited from making derogatory remarks about their colleagues or Heads of State during debates, a move aimed at preserving the dignity of parliamentary discourse.

Another notable amendment includes the formalization of a dress code, underscoring the importance of decorum in the conduct of parliamentary business. 

The rules also tighten quorum requirements, with a minimum of 50 members now needed to formally commence a session.

According to Tunkara, preserve the impartiality of the presiding officer, the updated procedures stipulate that the Speaker may only participate in debates after temporarily handing over the chair to a Deputy Speaker.

 This change reinforces the Speaker’s role as a neutral facilitator of proceedings.

The adoption of the new rules is seen as a major step forward in institutional reform within the ECOWAS Parliament. 

Lawmakers and observers alike believe the changes will help improve the quality of debate, enhance discipline among members, and foster a more transparent and inclusive legislative process in West Africa.