THE ROLE OF NIGERIA IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: THE CASE OF ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the role of Nigeria in international organizations with particular reference to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Findings reveal that fifteen (15) countries in West Africa came together to form ECOWAS with the main objective of economic harmonization and free trade relations among member states that will bring progress and development in the entire continent. The study relies on secondary sources of data as veritable tools for its analysis. Objective of the study is to ensure progress, stability, and development in Africa. The gap of the study is that Africa should be self-reliant economically so as to stand tall among comity of nations. The theoretical framework for this study is the liberal institutionalism. Further findings reveal that ECOWAS was formed to achieve economic harmonization and free trade relations among member states, solidarity, self-reliance, coordination of national policies, non-aggression among member states, maintenance of regional peace and stability, promotion and recognition of human rights in accordance with the provision of the Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, transparency and accountability, good governance, trade liberalization, harmonization and cooperation of national policies and the promotion of programs, projects and activities particularly in food, agriculture, and natural resources. The study concludes that Africa is yet to attain full development through the instrumentality of ECOWAS. The study recommends that the overall objective for the formation of ECOWAS which is to develop the sub-region should be aggressively pursued and achieved by ECOWAS leaders in the interest of Africa and Africans.