Impact of ECOWAS Protocols on Political and Economic Integration of the West African Sub-Region (Published)
This paper analysed the impact of the ECOWAS protocols and programmes on political and economic integration of West African sub-region. The desk review method was adopted in this paper, while information contained therein were obtained from relevant literatures’. The paper evaluated the implementation of the various protocols and programmes that constitute the main integrative instruments of ECOWAS from 1975 – 2007. These include protocols and programmes relating to free movement of persons, trade liberation, monetary cooperation, transport, telecommunication, conflict resolution, energy and power and ECOWAS Court of Justice. The paper observed that although the necessary structures have been put in place, ECOWAS is yet to achieve complete implementation in some of the main integrative instruments. It was also observed that some of the programmes have negative impacts on the sub-region. The partial implementation achieved in free movement of persons and goods is not yielding expected benefits due to lack of political will and administrative bottleneck in implementing the various protocols and programmes placed by member-states. In spite of these shortcomings, ECOWAS has made some remarkable progress in its drive to regional integrations. The paper recommends among others that ECOWAS should source for fund internally by ensuring that member-nations pay their dues. ECOWAS leaders should practice good and transparent governance in their countries to reduce occurrences of conflicts in the region.
Keywords: Development, ECOWAS Institutions, Economic Integration, Political Integration, Security