Nigeria is projected to become the world’s fifth most powerful and richest country within the next 50 years, according to Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Dr. Sylla also disclosed that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are expected to rank among the world’s 15 richest nations within the next 25 years.
He made the remarks during the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, held in Abuja from May 4 to 17.
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According to Dr. Sylla, the projections are based on studies and forecasts by the United Nations and several leading universities around the world.
He spoke alongside Ambassador Dr. Fatau-Mussah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, while presenting the outcome of regional consultations ahead of a special summit on the future of regional integration in West Africa.
Responding to questions from lawmakers on the region’s economic outlook, Dr. Sylla said Côte d’Ivoire could, within 70 years, become richer than France, its former colonial ruler.
“Member states need to be humble in the face of these facts,” he told the parliament.
Despite the optimistic projections, Dr. Sylla cautioned that regional institutions are not keeping pace with the aspirations of West African citizens.
“We are working very far from the ECOWAS citizens – the people are ahead, and we as community institutions are lagging,” he said.
Dr. Sylla stressed that Nigeria’s future economic success depends heavily on stronger integration with neighbouring countries.
“The sub-region is a very important space. It is not the American or English markets that will let the Nigerian market grow, but the sub-regional markets,” he stated.
He urged Nigeria to adopt a clear and deliberate economic strategy for West Africa, particularly in facilitating the movement of goods and improving market access.
“I am from Côte d’Ivoire, but I can say I am from Nigeria. Our destiny depends on Nigeria. Whether you are from Togo or Ghana, you are from Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria accounts for a substantial share of the region’s economic strength, but barriers to access within its market continue to hinder deeper regional trade.
“If Nigeria does not establish a clear policy for West Africa, nothing will change. We cannot become the fifth most powerful country in the world in fifty years without a clear economic interest for West Africa regarding the transfer of goods,” he added.
Dr. Sylla also challenged lawmakers to transform the ECOWAS Parliament from an advisory institution into a more proactive and influential body.
“You need to find your own strategy to move away from an advisory role. We need a parliament that is forward-looking,” he said.
He urged members to define the kind of parliament they want over the next 50 years so the Commission can align its long-term budgeting and planning.
“All the MPs here have the capacity to impact policies in your various member states before 2035. That should be your role.”
Dr. Sylla noted that intra-ECOWAS trade has doubled to 40 percent over the past four years, describing the progress as evidence that deeper economic integration is achievable.
“That means it is possible. We can move faster, but we are not yet there,” he said.
He also cited the widespread presence of Nigerian banks across West Africa as proof of Nigeria’s economic significance, while reiterating the importance of a coordinated regional strategy.
“That is why I say it is important to have this Nigerian strategy.”
By Kwaku Sakyi-Danso