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

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