SS3 Government Revision: Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)

Topic: Economic Community Of West African States(ECOWAS)

Formation

ECOWAS was formed on the 28th of May, 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria. It has 16 Independent nations of West Africa. Nigeria, under the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon and Togo under President Eyadema, initiated the formation of the sub-regional economic group. The community is made up of 5 Anglophone countries and 11 Francophone countries.

Anglophone – Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra-leone, Gambia and Liberia

Francophone – Guinea, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Niger Republic, Cape Verde, Burkina faso, Benin Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Mauritania.

Aims and Objectives of ECOWAS

1. To promote cooperation and development
2. To raise the standard of living of the people
3. To enhance the maintenance of economic stability
4. To foster closer relations
5. Establishment of common custom tariff
6. Elimination of custom duties
7. Establishment of funds for co-operation
8. To implement infrastructural and economic policies
9. To remove obstacles for free movement

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Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)