ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of People and Goods: Its Implications for Nigeria’s National Security

Abstract

The formation of ECOWAS was a bold attempt to stimulate interdependence and regional integration in West Africa. The central objective of the organization was to promote cooperation and development in economic, political, social and cultural affairs among member states. As part of the efforts to achieve its central objective ECOWAS member nations adopted, ratified and put into effect the 'Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment. The protocol was directed at eliminating barriers to free trade including the removal of obstacles to the free movement of goods, capital and person. Without much doubt, the protocol on free movement has eased the movement of persons, enhanced mobility, and promoted closer cooperation and policy coordination among community members and their citizens. However, the protocol is not without its drawback, the most important of which is the fact that the unhindered movement of people that it promotes directly and indirectly generates threats to national security. Informed by this position, this paper examines ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons and its negative implications on Nigeria's national security within the context of the tenuous security challenges arising from terrorist insurgency and transnational criminal activities in the sub-region.