Project Abstract

Abstract
Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa and a regional power, has played a significant role in the integration of West African states, both in terms of history and international relations. This research project aims to explore Nigeria's involvement in fostering cooperation and integration among West African countries from a historical and contemporary perspective. Historically, Nigeria's role in West African integration can be traced back to its independence in 1960. As one of the first African countries to gain independence from colonial rule, Nigeria took on a leadership role in promoting unity and solidarity among African nations. The formation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to promote regional integration. Nigeria has been a key player in the organization, providing both political and financial support to advance its objectives. In terms of international relations, Nigeria's influence in West Africa has been bolstered by its economic and military capabilities. As a major oil producer and the largest economy in West Africa, Nigeria wields considerable economic power in the region. This has allowed the country to leverage its resources to support development projects and promote economic cooperation among West African states. Furthermore, Nigeria's military strength has also played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The country has contributed troops to regional peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and the African Union. Nigeria's involvement in these missions has been instrumental in resolving conflicts and promoting security cooperation among West African countries. In recent years, Nigeria has continued to champion the cause of West African integration through its diplomatic engagements and foreign policy initiatives. The country has been actively involved in mediating conflicts, promoting trade and investment, and strengthening regional institutions to enhance cooperation among West African states. Nigeria's role in the integration of West African states remains pivotal as the region faces various challenges, including security threats, economic disparities, and political instability. Overall, Nigeria's historical legacy and current engagement in West African integration demonstrate its commitment to fostering unity and cooperation among African nations. By leveraging its political, economic, and military capabilities, Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of West Africa and advancing regional integration efforts.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

One motive that influenced the creation of almost all the West African International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) is the unity which has its origin in the Pan-African movements (UNECA 1983). According to Essien (2006) efforts at regional and sub-regional integration in Africa go back to the immediate post-colonial period. It was seen as an extension of the liberation movements and an effort to construct geographic entities that were economically viable and politically united. It also reflected the prevailing European experience with its emphasis on free trade within a Common External Tariff area. Thus, Anadi (2012) observed that, “by the 1960’s when most of the West African states gained their independence, the realities of the enormous distortions inherent in the colonial economy came to the fore.

            First, they were utterly left with highly fragile and structurally truncated economies based on the export of one or two agricultural commodities with inherent price distortions in the international commodity market. Also, the fact that none of these states’ national currencies were convertible further worsened the already destabilizing balance of payments problems in both their trade within the region and in their trade with other regions of the world” (Anadi 2005). The founding fathers of ECOWAS were quite aware of the huge challenges that confronted them at independence, following the years of unbridled exploitation and utter neglect of the basic needs of the citizens by the colonial masters; Britain, France and Portugal. Consequently, successful nation building has remained the biggest challenge for them because their economies are small, weak and highly competitive.

Accordingly, they were unable to exploit the complementarities of big and strong economies and are equally incapable of competing effectively within the global economy. These realities made regional integration an attractive option for West Africa. Undeniably, also, globalisation processes have brought home forcefully to the region the reality that it is impossible for any country, including the most economically and politically powerful, to go it alone. Now, more than ever before, all countries need one another to survive in a world where states are intricately weaved together economically, politically and technologically, with significant externalities for those that are unable to catch the globalisation train  (Sesay and Omotosho 2011). They also argue that contemporary integration schemes, particularly those in Africa, are essentially a post-World War II phenomenon.