The Ecowas Free Movement Protocol

Obstacle or Driver of Regional Integration

Bibliographic Data

ID20404355
AuthorsJoshua Olusegun Bolarinwa (0000-0003-0082-3632, Senior Research Fellow, Division of Security and Strategic Studies, Research and Studies Department of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Lagos., corresponding author)
Year2015
Volume7
Issue2
Pages154-168
Publication date2015-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInsight on Africa (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0975-0878 • E-ISSN: 0976-3465
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0975087815580731
OpenAlexW2207505885
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited1

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol relating to the Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment was approved by the ECOWAS heads of state and the government in Dakar on 29 May 1979. It was conceived as one of the bedrocks of regional integration efforts in West Africa in the firm belief that free movement of persons, goods, services and capital not only constitutes the fundamental basis for enhancing and consolidating the dividends of economic integration under the auspices of the ECOWAS but is also capable of influencing positively the harmonious development of social, economic and cultural activities within the sub-region. It is in the light of the above that this article examines the main elements and limitations of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols. It evaluates the degree to which the protocols have been implemented and identifies if they have served as a driver or an obstacle to regional integration in West Africa

Business · Economic growth · Economic integration · Economics · Free flow · Free movement · Free state · Geography · International trade · Obstacle · Political science · Regional Integration · Residence · African history and culture studies · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · Historical and Contemporary Political Dynamics · Law

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