AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ECOWAS
WEEK 10
TOPIC: ECONOMIC GROUPINGS IN WESTAFRICA
CONTENT:
History, member countries, objectives, achievement, problems
MEANING OF ECONOMIC GROUPING
Economic grouping may be defined as the coming together of different Countries with a common economic interest and goals with a view to promoting economic cooperation and development among member States. It also protects and promotes the economic and business interest of members as well as stimulating the socio-economic cum cultural development and cooperation among members.
In the West African sub-region, some of the economic groupings in existence include:
1. Economic Community of West African States,
2. The Lake Chad Basin Commission,
3. Niger Basin Commission
4. West African Clearing House etc.
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES(ECOWAS):
FORMATION
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed purposely to promote cooperation, development and economic integration of the West African subregion. ECOWAS was established on May, 1975, by the signing of the TREATYby fifteen West African Nations.
ECOWAS MEMBER COUNTRIES:
1. Nigeria
2. Ghana
3. Senegal
4. Niger Republic
5. Burkina Faso
6. Cape Verde
7. Benin Republic
8. Cote d’Ivoire
9. Liberia
10. Togo
11.Mali
12.Guinea Bissau
13.Sierra Leone
14.The Gambia
15.Guinea.
EVALUATION:
1. Define Economic grouping. 2. List the member countries.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ECOWAS:
The Treaty establishing ECOWAS provided the aims and objectives of the community as:
1. To expand trade.
2. Improvement of transportation.
3. Free movement of factors of production.
4. To promote economic cooperation and development.
5. To maintain economic and political stability.
6. Harmonize the agricultural policies.
7. To foster closer relationships among member countries.
8. To contribute to the industrial development.
9. Harmonize monetary policies among its members.
10.To establish a common fund.
11.To abolish tariffs and other restrictions.
12.To promotes sporting activities.
13.Settlement of disputes.
14.To set up military body e.g., ECOMOG.
ORGANS OF ECOWAS:
The Treaty establishing ECOWAS provided for the following organs:
1. The Authority of Heads of States.
2. The Council of Ministers.
3. The Executive Secretariat.
4. The Tribunal.
5. The Transport, Commissions and Energy Commission.
6. Social and Cultural Affairs Commission.
7. Defense Commission.
PROBLEMS OF ECOWAS:
The problems of ECOWAS are factors that hinder the achievements of ECOWAS.
These are:
1. Fear of Domination.
2. Absence of a Common Currencies.
3. Political and Ideological Differences.
4. Political Instability.
5. Language problem.
6. Irregular Financial Contribution of Members.
7. Failure of Members to Implement Resolutions.
8. Lack of Infrastructural Facilities.
9. Problems of Immigrants.
10.Smuggling and increase In Social Vices.
SOME ADVANTAGES OR GAINS DERIVABLE FROM ECOWAS
Some advantages or gains derivable from membership of ECOWAS are as follows:
1. Free Trade.
2. Tariff Reduction.
3. Expansion of Markets.
4. Variety of Goods.
5. Increase in Standard of Living.
6. Unrestricted Flow of Raw Materials.
7. Availability of Cheap Labor.
8. Sub-Regional Self-Reliance.
9. Joint Projects.
10.Compensation Fund.
11.Unity.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
1. What factors have hindered the achievements of the objectives of ECOWAS since its establishment?
2. State five (5) objectives of establishing ECOWAS.
3. Mention six (6) problems of ECOWAS.
4. What are the organs of ECOWAS?
How do they function?
5. Explain the advantages or gains derivable from membership of ECOWAS.
6. What are some of the challenges facing ECOWAS today? How should these challenges be addressed in order to fully realize the objectives of the organization?
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS:
1) Which of the following is not one of the aims and objectives of the ECOWAS? To
Options
A)
improve trade between the member states
B)
have a common currency in due course
C)
encourage emigration of people in all member states
D)
have cultural and educational co-operation
2) All the following are aims and objectives of ECOWAS except to
Options
A)
maintain closer relations among member ststes
B)
encourage customs union and common market
C)
raise the political consciousness of the people
D)
raise the people’s standard of living
E)
foster political peace and unity in West Africa
3) Which of the following is not one of the ECOWAS organs?
Options
A)
The Executive Secretariat
B)
The Transport, Communications and Energy Commission (TCE)
C)
The Tribunal
D)
The Social and Cultural Affairs Commission
E) None of these answers are correct
4) Which of the following is not one of the challenges facing ECOWAS today?
Options
A)
weak economic growth in some member states
B)
political instability in several countries within the region
C) cultural and linguistic differences among members
D) a lack of shared values and common identity among members
E) None of these answers are correct
5) Which of the following is not one of the advantages or gains of ECOWAS membership?
Options
A)
free movement and migration across member states
B) improved trade within the region
C) cultural and educational co-operation between members
D) greater political stability within the region
E) None of these answers are correct.
6) Nigeria’s membership of the ECOWAS is informed by her desire to___________
Options
A)
develop a market in the sub-region
B)
form sub-regional high command
C)
become a sub-regional power
D)
promote economic integration
7) One of the obstacles to achieving the objectives of ECOWAS is?
Options
A)
lack of a common currency
B)
colonial linkages
C)
sovereignty of state
D)
language difference
8) How many countries form ECOWAS
Options
A)
17
B)
16
C)
15
D)
14
9) One of the aims of ECOWAS is to?
Options
A)
discourage foreign investors
B)
promote privatization policy
C)
ensure production of quality goods
D)
promote trade within the region
10) Which of the following is not a problem faced by ECOWAS?
Options
A)
financial security
B)
political instability
C)
larger market
D)
colonial heritage
11) The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been slow in achieving its objective because of______________
Options
A)
The activities of multinationals
B)
inadequate personnel at the secretariat
C)
political instability
D)
inadequate international support
12) ECOWAS was formed for the purpose of________
Options
A)
promoting co-operation and integration
B)
to facilitate the expansion of international trade
C)
to provide insurance
D)
to insure new investment