The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Socio-Economic Development of Member States: Implications for Nigeria and Benin Republic
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Date
2018-12
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African Journal for Security and Development
Abstract
This paperassessed the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic within the ECOWAS protocol on socio-economic development of member states,and the extent to which both countries are seizing the opportunities inherent in the protocol to benefit one another. The study, which was premised on secondary source of data, revealed that the ECOWAS protocol has impactedpositively on the socio-economic development ofNigeria and Benin Republic. This positive impact included relative free movement of citizens, goods and services across the bordersofboth countries. The paper also found that the bond of friendly relations, which serve as the basis for economic, political and cultural interaction between the two countries still remain as strong as they were before the colonial creation of the artificial boundary between them. The joint and collaborative effortsof securityagencies from both countries has reduced trans-border crimes,including the reduction in smuggling activities, thusimproving revenue capacity of both
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countries. The ECOWAS protocol has also served as a means of advancing socio- cultural unity between Nigeria and Benin Republic through inter bordermarriages, crossborder sporting activities and joint social outings. There are occasional disagreements and disputes between both countries in an attempt tomaximize the ECOWAS protocol on socio-economic development to their advantage but such disputes areusually amicably resolved. The paper recommended further relaxation ofCustoms and other tariff rates, establishment of more border markets between the two countries and improved security collaboration to enhance their maximum benefits from the ECOWAS protocol on socio-economic development
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Economic Community, West African States (ECOWAS), Protocol on Socio Economic Development, Member States, Implications for Nigeria and Benin Republic