West Africans Advocate for Indigenous Language as ECOWAS Official Language
By Mark Longyen
Citizens Push for Linguistic Inclusion in West African Bloc
Citizens across West African nations are calling on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt an indigenous language as an additional official language alongside English, French, and Portuguese.
The demand emerged during interactions with Pan-Africanist Bishir Dauda, who is currently undertaking a 50-day advocacy journey across the region to commemorate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
Grassroots Voices for Cultural Representation
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Accra, Ghana, Dauda revealed that many citizens specifically recommended Hausa – a language widely spoken across West and Central Africa – for this official status.
“One of the key takeaways from my interactive sessions is the community citizens’ clarion call on ECOWAS to make an indigenous West African language one of its official languages,” Dauda stated.
ECOWAS at 50: From Governments to People
The activist noted that citizens recognize ECOWAS’ transformation from an international organization to an ‘ECOWAS of Peoples’ and want this shift reflected in concrete policies. They advocate for more direct engagement between the regional body and grassroots communities.
“This will help in countering the prevailing notion that ECOWAS is just an intergovernmental organisation representing the interests of the elites in government,” Dauda explained.
Celebrating Regional Integration
ECOWAS, established on May 28, 1975, to promote economic integration and political unity in West Africa, will mark its golden jubilee on May 28, 2025. Dauda’s 50-day journey, which began on April 1, represents his personal tribute to this milestone.
The proposal for indigenous language inclusion reflects growing calls for the regional body to better represent the cultural diversity of its 15 member states and strengthen connections with ordinary citizens.
Edited by Tosin Kolade | Source: NAN