ECOWAS Integration Policy and the Dynamics of Trans-border Mobility in West Africa
Background: This study critically evaluates the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) integration policy and its impact on trans-border mobility. The policy assumes that individuals migrate from stagnant to rapidly growing areas, from low-income to high-income regions, and from u...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://iannajournalofinterdisciplinarystudies.com/index.php/1/article/view/636 |
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| Summary: | Background: This study critically evaluates the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) integration policy and its impact on trans-border mobility. The policy assumes that individuals migrate from stagnant to rapidly growing areas, from low-income to high-income regions, and from uncertain to secure employment opportunities.
Objective: This research aims to investigate the implications of ECOWAS's neo-liberal-oriented policy, which is shaped by the dynamic forces of globalisation and encourages cross-border mobility among member state citizens.
Methods: The paper used a qualitative research method, and the data were sourced from secondary sources. The gathered data were thematically analysed and presented in prose format.
Results: The study finds that the assumption underlying ECOWAS's integration policy overlooks the complex social, political, and economic effects of trans-border mobility, which challenge traditional notions of comparative advantage and trade theories that underpin ECOWAS's integrative approach.
Conclusion: ECOWAS's integration policy and trans-border mobility have moved from stagnant to rapidly increasing places, from low-income to high-income areas, and from sporadic employment prospects to areas where employment is more certain or guaranteed by contract.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study provides new insights into the implications of ECOWAS's integration policy on trans-border mobility and its effects on West African communities, highlighting the need to reconsider traditional notions of comparative advantage and trade theories in the context of regional integration.
Recommendations: The study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders consider the complex social, political, and economic effects of trans-border mobility when designing and implementing regional integration policies, and that further research be conducted to explore the implications of ECOWAS's integration policy on West African communities.
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| ISSN: | 2735-9883 2735-9891 |