Question 8
Outline any five contributions of Nigeria towards the growth of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Observation
This was not a popular question and many of the candidates who answered the question performed below average. They failed to understand the demands of the question and scored low marks. However, the candidates were expected to write the following points in order to score high marks:
(i) Nigeria played an active role in the formation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as being an initial signatory to the Lagos Treaty.
(ii) Provision of high profile personnel for the ECOWAS Secretariat / agencies since its inception.
(iii) Nigeria Heads of State had served as chairmen of ECOWAS.
(iv) Nigeria has played major roles in peace-keeping operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.
(v) Nigeria regularly attends all ECOWAS summits.
(vi) Nigeria contributes to the development of ECOWAS by hosting summits and conferences.
(vii) Nigeria makes available petroleum products to other ECOWAS countries in need.
(viii) Membership of ECOWAS Parliament makes Nigeria to contribute to sub- regional issues.
(ix) Financial contributions: Nigeria pays her dues regularly to both the Secretariat and the ECOWAS Fund.
(x) Actively participates in ECOWAS sponsored activities like trade fair, sports etc.
(xi) Gives humanitarian assistance to citizens of ECOWAS countries who have been displaced as a result of war.
(xii) Implementation of ECOWAS protocols e.g. the protocol on democracy and good governance, protocol on the fight against corruption etc.
(xiii) Nigeria has joined other ECOWAS countries in undertaking key projects e.g. West African Gas Pipeline.
(xiv) Nigeria has allowed free movement of ECOWAS citizens, goods and services
(xv) Sending officials to monitor elections in member states.