TOPIC

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Challenges of
Regional Integration in West Africa

AUTHOR (S)

Nnamani, Felix Vincent


ABSTRACT
This study examined the challenges of ECOWAS in fostering regional integration in West
Africa. Anchored on the Marxist theory of the state and qualitative data generated through
documentary method, the study observed that the production of homogenous raw materials
by member states of ECOWAS has reinforced vertical trade relations with industrialized
countries and thus hinder intra-ECOWAS trade. The study also noted that incessant
checkpoints on selected routes of the Community highways, characterized by inhuman
treatment, extortion, and arbitrary imposition of charges have undermined free movement
of persons, goods, services and capital within the sub-region. The study thus posits that
despite all the efforts put into integration of ECOWAS economics, intra-regional trade in
West Africa has remained very low. Among others, the study recommends that member
states of ECOWAS should ensure effective implementation of ECOWAS Treaties/Protocols in
their territories.
Keywords: Economic Community of West African States, regional trade, West Africa,
integration, free movement


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PUBLISHED

2023-01-11

HOW TO CITE

Nnamani, Felix Vincent (2023).Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Challenges of
Regional Integration in West Africa. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 8(1): :58-71,https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/2023/12.1.5895.