House Ratifies ECOWAS Treaty for the Establishment of the Dakar-Abidjan Corridor
July 7, 2025
Monrovia: The House of Representatives has ratified the ECOWAS Treaty on the Establishment of the Dakar–Abidjan Corridor, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional integration, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation within West Africa.
The ratification followed presentation of a comprehensive report by the Joint Committee on Transport, Public Works and Rural Development, and Judiciary, which carefully reviewed the provisions of the Treaty and recommended its ratification.
According to the Committee the Protocol will protect public health, address illicit trafficking, and combat the abuse of controlled substances, including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and nicotine.
The Joint Committee while Presenting the report called on the indulgence of Plenary to ratify the Treaty, highlighting its potential to boost interconnectivity, economic growth, and cross-border cooperation among ECOWAS member states, including Liberia.
The Joint Committee also drew attention to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which has been ratified by over 180 countries. The committee noted that Liberia is a signatory to the Convention, but has not formally ratified the related Protocol.
The Protocol emphasizes measures for licensing, regulation, and criminalization of unlawful manufacturing and trade in psychotropic substances. It mandates that State Parties treat intentional violations as punishable offences under national laws, ensuring such actions are met with appropriate penalties, including imprisonment.
According to the Committee, ratifying these instruments aligns with Liberia’s national drug policy and supports the broader legislative effort to curb the rising threat of substance abuse across the country.
Following the report and ensuing discussions, Plenary voted in favor of ratifying the ECOWAS Treaty, and the instrument has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
The ratification signals Liberia’s commitment to both regional integration and the protection of public health and national security through strong legal frameworks.
The House decision was made on Thursday, July 3, 2025 during its 15th Day sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd session.
