RETHINKING INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA: AN APPRAISAL OF ECOWAS’ FREE MOVEMENT POLICY AND TRADE LIBERALISATION SCHEME

摘要

Influenced by the overwhelming assumptions of traditional integration theories and the benefits that could accrue to member states as a result of economic integration and borderless region, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has created structures similar to those of the European Union without giving them the same functions or powers. In 1979, West African States adopted the Protocol relating to the Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, which stipulated among other things, the right of community citizens to enter, reside, and establish economic activities in the territory of member states. The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) was also launched in 1990 with the aim of removing all tariff and non-tariff barriers to intra-regional trade. Under the ETLS Protocol, all approved and listed products are to be tax-exempt as long as they satisfy the conditions of acceptance for goods originating within the Community. The field study was undertaken at the border posts between Nigeria/ Benin Republic; Nigeria-Niger; and Nigeria-Cameroon, using participatory methods such as a broad based consultation with stakeholders, focus group discussions, key informant interviews (KIIs) and desk review of existing local, national and international documents and instruments in relevant areas. The paper examines the extent to which ECOWAS? Policy Declarations have promoted integration by removing inter-country trade barriers in West Africa. The central argument is that the absence of a truly African strategy manifests itself in various policy declarations, which have little impact on integration because they are too ambitious in view of the resources available to member states. Regional integration should therefore be grounded in its own historical and cultural roots as opposed to the current trend of continued reliance on a voluntaristic, instrumentalist and mimetic approach.