THE IMPACT OF LEGAL REGIMES OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) ON INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The need to eliminate all types of obstacles to the guaranteed free movement of goods, capital and persons among the Member States is particularly significant to maintenance of security and one of the objectives behind the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  Nigeria, despite being a foundation member state of ECOWAS with the aforementioned aims of the Community, yet the nation wallow in serious instances of insecurity.  This paper therefore critically appraises the sub-regional law regime, practices and policies with specific focus on the aspect of insecurity and how far have they positively fight against insecurity in Nigeria. This paper adopts non-doctrinal research method, specifically library-based research.  This paper’s findings include weaknesses of the legal regime of ECOWAS.  It is a finding of this paper that despite Nigeria’s huge contributions to the Community’s programmes and policies, the Community has not satisfactorily fought against insecurity in Nigeria.  Therefore, this paper suggests proper review of the law regime of the Community to take care of insecurity in Nigeria and other member states. It is the conclusion that high probability of arrest of the perpetrators and effective enforcement of the reviewed laws against the crimes will assist the nation in her fight against menace of insecurity.