An Assessment of The Implementation of ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Trade:
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Oshomah, Akhazemeyele Priscilla
Title Proper by Another Author
A Case Study of Nigeria and Benin Republic (2014-2018)
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Alabi, Abdullah
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2019
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
85
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
M.A.
Body granting the degree
Kwara State University (Nigeria)
Text preceding or following the note
2019
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of persons was signed in 1979. A key objective of the treaty is to establish a borderless region and a common citizenship in West Africa. The study assessed the implementation of the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and trade with Nigeria and Benin Republic as the case study, 2014-2018. It also identified the challenges that hindered the full implementation of the protocol as well as the impacts of the protocol to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the study made use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study adopted functionalism and globalization theories. The findings showed that Nigeria and Benin Republic have made modest progress in the implementation of the first phase of the protocol which is the abolition of visa and entry permit. It was also established in the study that economic crises, corrupt practices of border officials, low level of knowledge about the ECOWAS protocol, lack of domestication and threat to national security are some of the challenges that hindered the effective implementation of the protocol. In view of these findings, a number of recommendations were made for promoting free movement in the West African sub-region. The study recommended the creation of mechanism of sanctions by imposing penalties on member states for non-compliance, organize training programs on ECOWAS protocol for public officials and the general public and, deepening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Benin republic by working together as a team so as to ensure uniformity in the implementation of the ECOWAS protocol in order to enhance socio-economic development within the sub-region.