University Links: Home Page | Site Map
Covenant University Repository

REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST AFRICA; A CASE STUDY OF THE ECOWAS FREE MOVEMENT PROTOCOL

OGORUGBA, VIVIAN AFORKEOGHENE and Covenant University, Theses (2021) REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST AFRICA; A CASE STUDY OF THE ECOWAS FREE MOVEMENT PROTOCOL. Masters thesis, Covenant University Ota..

[img] PDF
Download (174kB)

Abstract

This research examines the prospect, effectiveness and challenges of the ECOWAS free movement protocol, evaluate the degree of the protocol’s implementation in Ecowas member states and identifies their utility to traders and other citizens residing in these countries. In Africa, regional integration appears to be a feasible means to achieve a socio-economic stability and also facilitate the integration of newly independent African nations in the world global economy. In the quest for new strategies for the achievement of all-round sustainable development, West African sub-region was determined to embrace a policy of regional, economic and cultural integration. In Lagos, Nigeria, sixteen West African countries signed a contract to establish the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in May 1975.States adopted a protocol on the free movement of persons, residence and establishment in May 1979, four years after the treaty’s publication. It declared among other things that community residents have the right to enter, reside and develop economic activity in the territory of member states and it established a three-phased method to reaching the treaty’s goal of “full freedom of movement” This study looks at how the free movement protocol is implemented and how effective it is throughout ECOWAS member states. The research design adopted for this study is the case study design. Primary data were gotten through questionnaires while secondary data was retrieved from already published works such as academic journals, books, newspapers, reports and online materials. The study shows that the protocol is not fully effective and does not thoroughly cover commuters and trans-border traders from other member states. In addition, the study discovers that lack of infrastructure like rail network, bad roads and also lack of proper documentation by security personnel also contribute to the ineffectiveness of the free movement protocol. Consequently, the existence of bribery and corruption among the security officer along borders is also a problem, as criminals and terrorist can easily penetrate through borders.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: ECOWAS, ECOWAS free movement protocol, free movement protocol, regional integration, sustainable development
Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User: Mrs Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited: 09 Nov 2021 16:30
Last Modified: 09 Nov 2021 16:30
URI: http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/15461

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item