The Consultative Competition Committee of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) recently convened in Abuja, Nigeria, to review and approve the draft Cooperation Agreement between ECOWAS and the bodies responsible for competition in the Member States.
The meeting was held from February 6th to 8th, 2024, and also focused on validating the Terms of Reference for the Market Study on Digital Markets.
Members of the Consultative Committee on Competition (CCC) and ERCA staff attended the meeting, during which they reviewed and validated the draft Cooperation/ Grant Agreement for the collection of information and administration of the ECOWAS Competition Information System (ECIS). Additionally, they elected a new Bureau for the Consultative Competition Committee, marking the commencement of the mandate of the new committee.
Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, commended the Members of the CCC for their appointment and expressed gratitude to the members of the previous Committee for their collaboration over the past four years. She emphasized the importance of this 8th statutory meeting, as it signifies the beginning of the four-year mandate of the CCC. The Commissioner encouraged Member States to strengthen the legislative and institutional framework for regional competition and consumer protection.
Dr. Adamu Ahmed ABDULLAHI, the Ag. Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), welcomed members to the meeting and underscored its significance in advancing collaborative efforts to foster fair competition and promote economic development within the ECOWAS region.
The committee also reviewed and validated the draft Cooperation Agreement between ERCA and the member States for the collection and administration of the ECOWAS Competition Information System. Furthermore, they agreed to launch a comprehensive study on digital markets across the region and ensure inclusive participation of all relevant stakeholders in each member State.
The meeting represents a step forward in promoting fair competition and economic development within the ECOWAS region, and paves the way for increased collaboration and information-sharing among Member States.
