AN ANALYSIS OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ECOMOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES SINCE INCEPTION

Abstract

Interactions existed among the people of West Africa in pre-colonial era while colonialism and early post colonial experiences significantly eroded the gains of integration. Post-colonial efforts towards integration manifested in the formation of ECOWAS in 1975. The gains derived from integration and the hope of fast tracking the prospect motivated this study. The study found that achievements were recorded in sensitization efforts, treaties directed at removal of obstacles to free movement of persons, goods and capital, management of conflicts and trade liberalization. However, conflicts, crisis of confidence, and inability of member states to implement protocols, foreign intervention, language barriers and lack of single currency were among the noticeable challenges. The study concludes that the challenges could be overcome in the interest of member states. It recommends the removal of unfair trade laws, custom and immigration restrictions imposed by comupt officials, while the immigrations and customs of member states be adequately caried along to ensure compliance with existing protocols.