THE PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF ECOWAS 1975-2008.

AUTHOR: EBIE SUNDAY ONYEKWUMA

DEPARTMENT: POLITICAL SCIENCE

AFFILIATION: NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA

Regional integration as a machinery for economic growth is a welcomed development especially as it affects the Economic Communities of West African State (ECOWAS). Despite its laudable goals and objectives, it does appear that certain challenges retard or erode the accomplishments of these goals Regional Integration (ECOWAS Perspective). This work was an answer to the puzzle as to what these challenges are. To carry out this study, four research questions and four hypotheses were formulated, all derived from the literature reviewed. Secondary sources of data collection were used. The research findings revealed that the challenges / problems that hinders effective accomplishment of the goals and objectives of Regional Integration especially as it affect ECOWAS, are enormous ranging from Political, Economic, to Social Cultural factors. Despite the aforementioned obstacles, Regional Integration (ECOWAS Perspective) has good prospects It was recommended among others that, ECOWAS economy must try to attain sustainable economic growth by diligently maintaining their several domestic and regional reform programmes.

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