In the last three (3) years, efforts have been made to reposition the Mission and make it function as a multilateral Mission similar to the Nigerian Missions in Addis Ababa, New York, and Geneva. Therefore, the unfolded strategic plans and measures were adopted to keenly monitor all ECOWAS activities through the introduction of a cluster system. Officers at the Mission were trained to be conversant with each thematic/sectoral issues and the Mission regularly liaises with relevant Nigerian MDAs, with the mandate on ECOWAS matters for cross fertilization of ideas in the formulation of national positions on ECOWAS issues.

The Mission became more important and strategic following the commencement of the implementation of African Union Principle of Subsidiarity and Complimentarity, were the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), which are seen as the building block of African Integration, are given more responsibilities on coordinating regional positions on continental and global issues. As a result, the Mission is now playing key role in pursing Nigerian interest, not only on issues under ECOWAS, but other continental and global issues. The Mission’s regular interfaces with the Nigerian Mission in Addis Ababa and by extension, other Nigerian Multilateral Missions, ensures that Nigeria’s interests are harmoniously advanced at all fora. This is a huge responsibility, which the Mission has effectively carried out as evident in Nigeria’s current exploits, where our national are heading or occupying strategic positions in various international organizations, within and outside ECOWAS.

In the same vein, the Mission equally renders essential services to ECOWAS Institutions. Given that ECOWAS does not have a Special Representative Office in Nigeria, the Mission also carries out that function for the Commission and other Community Institutions. Moreover Nigeria hosts vital ECOWAS institutions such as the Parliament and Community Court of Justice. This assistance helps these Community Institutions to smoothly carry out their functions in the country. Given Nigeria’s hegemonic role in the region, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS plays vital role in shaping ECOWAS policies and decisions through engagement with ECOWAS Member States and Community Institutions to enhance the efficacy of the organisation.

In addition, the Permanent Mission carries out the following functions, amongst others:

i. Represents Nigeria, and by extension Mr. President, in ECOWAS events and forums;
ii. Provides technical support for Nigeria’s participation in all ECOWAS Conferences and Meetings;
iii. Facilitates the implementation of ECOWAS Protocols and programmes in Nigeria;
iv. Coordinate the articulation of Nigeria's position in ECOWAS activities;
v. Coordinate Nigeria’s participation in ECOWAS Statutory Meetings;
vi. Work in close collaboration with ECOWAS Commission
for the resolution of conflicts in the sub-region;
vii. Protect Nigerians in ECOWAS institutions/agencies;
viii. Ensures that all ECOWAS Member States obtains their fair share of programmes and projects aimed at facilitating regional integration;
ix. Assist Nigerians seeking access to ECOWAS, including Nigerian consulting firms/academia/institutions; and
x. Ensure that Nigerian Businessmen carrying out business under the ECOWAS schemes and mechanisms in the Sub-region are protected.

Through its constructive engagements in ECOWAS activities and events, the Permanent Mission has continued to ensure that Nigeria provides leadership and shoulders responsibilities in the sub-region. The most recent instance was the role played by the Mission in the just concluded phase of the on-going ECOWAS Institutional Reforms that aims at ensuring that ECOWAS becomes fit for purpose and delivers on the aspirations of the Founding Fathers: an ECOWAS of the people! Without doubt, the activities of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS are far-reaching as the Mission has continued to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Community and collaborate appropriately with leadership of ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies, to ensure the realization of the goals and objectives of the Community.