ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)

 This organization was established on the 28th of May 1975 with its headquarters in Lagos. It is made up of sixteen countries.

INSTITUTIONAL ORGANS OF ECOWAS

1. The Authority of Heads of States and Government.
2. The Council of Ministers.
3. The general secretariat is situated in Lagos.
4. The fund for co-operation, compensation and development.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF ECOWAS

1. To encourage increasing trade among member countries. 
2. To promote a wide range of industrial development.
3. To promote a better allocation of resources.
4. To ensure a future customs union.
5. To facilitate infrastructural development among member countries.
6. To promote economies of large-scale production
7. To remove all forms of tariff and quotas among member states.
8. To harmonize a bargaining power/device for better prices of their agricultural products.
9. To create a wide market for member countries.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF ECOWAS

1. Increasing trade liberation among member states.
2. Harmonization of member states which has led to economic progress among its members.
3. Creation of a large market which has led to the establishment of large-scale industries.
4. Ensuring a free flow of human and material resources from one member country to another.

PROBLEMS OF ECOWAS

1. Political instability and constant military coup among most West African countries.
2. Differences in currency and language.
3. Population differences and development.
4. Lack of manpower.
5. Lack of finance.
6. Ratification and implementation of decisions
7. Low level of trade among West African countries.
8. Fear of domination of smaller countries by bigger ones.