PRE-AUDIT SIMULATION MEETING FOR THE STATUS OF PREPAREDNESS FOR EU-PILLARS 2ND MOCK ASSESSMENT.

The ECOWAS Commission recently convened a Pre-Audit Simulation meeting at Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State, Nigeria, from February 9th to 12th, 2026. The meeting aimed to assess the commission's readiness for the EU-Pillars final audit.

Representing the Director of Financial Reporting and Grants, Mrs. Viviane N. FAYS, Head of Division – Financial Reporting, welcomed participants and provided an overview of ECOWAS' journey since the EU-Pillars Assessment began in 2013. She highlighted the commission's extensive institutional reforms, including strengthened internal controls, accounting frameworks, and audit mechanisms.

The meeting objectives were to evaluate ECOWAS' preparedness for the EU-Pillars final audit and gauge its readiness to pass. A second mock audit is scheduled from February 16th to March 13th, 2026, preceding the final audit later this year.

The ECOWAS Commission also held a virtual session with the EBID team, who shared insights on tackling EU Pillar Assessment Questionnaires. The EBID team, represented by Director of Internal Audit and Evaluation, Mr. Maximilien, provided guidance on responding to the questionnaires, drawing from their experience completing the final stage of the EU-Pillar Assessment.

Note: A score of 70% per pillar is the minimum required for the pillar to be certified with individual pillar sub-sections not to be under 20%.