Title:
ECOWAS PROTOCOL ON FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS,GOODS ANDESTABLISHMENTS: IT’S IMPLICATIONS ON REGIONAL SECURITY AND INTEGRATION: AN APPRAISAL

Authors:
Inna Frank Ogbise , Ebong, ItoroBassey and Washington, Benjamin Uko ,Nigeria

Abstract:
Increasingly, states have been looking for greater ways of establishing collaborations that can create more opportunities for their population while also expanding harmonious relations with their neighbors. One of such ways is through regional integration. Broadly defined, integration is seen as non-states in a territorial region voluntarily deferring sovereignty to inter-governmental or supranational institutions in order to better their condition as a whole through cooperation. ECOWAS Protocol on free movement of Persons, Establishments and Trade was established in order to encourage regional integration. The protocol rather than serve the aim of integration is rather fueling the insecurity in the sub-region. The nature of conflicts now begins from within a state and gradually spread outside into the neighboring countries in its spill-over effects. This often leads to resentments towards migrants which can degenerate to “populist political tensions and sentiments. To this extent the privileges of the protocol have been abused. The paper therefore seek to examine the impacts of ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and establishments on regional integration. The study adopted integration theory as a theoretical framework and data were drawn with the aid of secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, newspaper etc. The major finding of the study revealed among others that the aims and objectives of the Protocol have been defeated as many African States still lack sufficient “enablers” to create and manage such free movement. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that Development and improvement of cross-border infrastructure corridors that include telecommunications, internet, roads, railways, waterways and airways should be encourage. This will in turned curbed the level of border crimes among ECOWAS states