NIGERIA’S ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL

ORGANIZATIONS (A CASE STUDY OF ECOWAS)

OLADOKUN OPEYEMI VICTORIA

U/20/IR/0064

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT

AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, ODUDUWA UNIVERSITY IPETUMODU, P.M.B 5533,

OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR’S OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.) DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE.

AUGUST, 2024.
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project titled: "NIGERIA’S ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (A CASE STUDY OF ECOWAS)" was carried out by

OLADOKUN OPEYEMI VICTORIA with Matriculation Number U/20/IR/0064 of the

Department of International Relations, College of Management and Social Sciences, Oduduwa

University Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria.

____________________ ____________________
DR. S.I EBRIM SAMUEL DATE
(Project Supervisor)

____________________ ____________________
DR. S.I EBRIM SAMUEL DATE
(Head of Department)

____________________ ____________________
EXTERNAL EXAMINER DATE

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to God Almighty my creator, my strong pillar, my source of inspiration

wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He has been the source of my strength throughout this

program and on His wings only have I soared.

I also dedicate this to my parents who have never failed to give me financial and moral support,

for giving all my needs during the time I developed my system and for teaching me that even the

largest task can be accomplished if it is done one step as a time and to my loving brothers who

encouraged me all the way and whose encouragement have made sure that I give it all it takes to

finish that which I have started. May the blessing of God be with them now and always "Amen”.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My utmost gratitude goes to Almighty God who through his love and mercy made possible the

completion of my project work. I wish to express my profound gratitude and appreciate to my

wonderful parents Mr. and Mrs. Oladokun for their support morally and financially.

My indebtedness goes to my supervisor, Dr. S.I Ebrim Samuel (HOD) who is a man of

unflappable commitment, who was always there to criticize my work just to make suit in is a

success. May God Almighty grand you his blessings in all your efforts and give heed to your

prayers.

I am also grateful to my lecturers, Prof. Alimi, Prof. O.A. Bamisaye, Prof. C.I.N Uche, Barr.

Lawal, Mr. Bayo and Mr. I. F. Aloba who in their love and steadfastness has tremendously

contributed to the successful completion of my Degree Programme in this noble International

Relations Department, by imparting knowledge in me, my God will replenish all your efforts and

grant all your heart desires.

My special gratitude goes to my ever-caring senior brothers and sisters for their unflinching

support, care, love and prayer. I also want to use this opportunity to thank my family and friends,

I love you all.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of contents v

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study 1

1.2 Statement of Problem 5

1.3 Research Questions 6

1.4 Objectives of the Study 6

1.5 Scope of the Study 6

1.6 Research Methodology 6

1.7 Significance of the Study 6

1.8 Limitation of Study 7

1.9 Definition of Terms 7

1.10 Organization of Study 7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction 8

2.1 Conceptual Framework 8

2.1.1 History of ECOWAS 8

2.1.2 Objectives of ECOWAS 11

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2.1.3 Challenges of ECOWAS 13

2.2 Structure of ECOWAS 15

2.3 Review of Empirical Studies 16

2.3.1 Nigeria's Foreign Policy Approach Towards The Formation of ECOWAS 18

2.4 ECOWAS And The Concept Of Regional Security 20

2.5 Theoretical Framework 29

2.5.1 Theory of Regionalism 29

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design 31

3.2 Method of Data Collection 31

3.3 The Politics of ECOWAS's Formation, Structure and Development 32

3.4 Method of Data Analysis 34

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Introduction 37

4.1 Formation ff ECOWAS; a Success or Failure 37

4.2 The Role of ECOWAS in Fostering Regional Security and Economic Growth 44

4.3 Nigeria's Role In The Maintenance And Sustenance Of ECOWAS 47

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary 53

5.1.1 Morocco's Membership into ECOWAS 55

5.2 Major Discoveries of the Study 56

5.3 Conclusion and Recommendations 58

REFERENCES 60

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 ABSTRACT

This study seeks; to examine the role of Nigeria in the formation and development of ECOWAS;
to examine and understand Nigeria's main interest in ECOWAS, to understand the main
objectives of ECOWAS and examine its major successes, to identify and address me main
challenges of ECOWAS and to determine whether the creation of ECOWAS was worthwhile or
just another organization with a name. This study adopts secondary data sources such as books,
journals articles, conference proceedings and internet sources government official publications
relating to the role of Nigeria in the development of E CO WAS. Nigeriahas contributed
immensely in terms of financial assistance of her sister countries within West Africa and fought
hard to uphold and maintain the principle oj democracy in West Africa.to say that Nigeria is the
backbone of ECOWAS wouldn't be an exaggeration although the move to create the community
itself was first made by President Tubman of Liberia who failed but this idea was later picked up
by the then ruling head of state President Yakubu Gowon, his efforts, determination as well as
the support that he received from other African leaders therefore led to the formation of the
community for ECOWAS to attain her goals and objectives, there must be unity amidst then as
well as the elimination of thoughts and feelings that one state is superior to the other which will
help in allaying the fear of domination by smaller states, ECOWAS should make an attempt at
making more realistic goals and truly integrate, making unified economic policies as well as
make a concrete attempt as well as striving to achieve the goal of a single currency. In
conclusion; It is without any doubt that we firmly assert that Nigeria has indeed played a major
role in the formation, establishment, development as well as sustenance of the Economic
Community of West African States.
Key words: Nigeria, Development, Organizations, International Organizations, ECOWAS

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