Political will and National Interest in the Implementation of Ecowas Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Goods between Nigeria and Niger Republic

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Date
2021-07
Authors
HUDU, Zaratou
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Abstract
Article 27 of the ECOWAS Treaty affirms a long-term objective of establishing a Community citizenship that could be acquired automatically by all nationals of the member states. This reinforces the preamble to the treaty that outlined the key objective of removing obstacles to the free movement of goods, capital and people in the sub-region. After many years of signing the Treaty I, establishing the ECOWAS as a regional body, the overall objective of promoting cooperation and integration remains consistently elusive. This paper specifically identified the factors that necessitated the measures taken by the Nigerian government against the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons and goods; it also examined the socio-economic implications of the measures on the relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic. Data for the paper were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Interview was conducted with former president of Niger who was also a member of ECOWAS task force and some border personnel along Ilella-Konni and Katsina-Jibiya borders. The article on ECOWAS protocol for free movement of persons and goods, documents from Niger-Nigeria Joint Commission of Cooperation and other related documents were used as secondary source. The data were analysed thematically using content analysis. The paper revealed that the decision of the Nigerian government to restrict the free movement of goods along Nigeria and Niger Republic border was due to the intention of Buhari regime to avoid illegal entry of re-exported goods on transit, that cross African countries, especially Niger Republic and other socio-economic motives. However, the decision has multiplier effects on the relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic. The study recommends among others the need for multilateral dialogue, at the sub-regional and regional level for all affected parties to present and iron issues or measures rather than resort to unilateral decision that could breach international protocol that eventually affects regional integration.
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Department of Public Administration Faculty of Administration Ahmadu Bello University Zaria