Abstract

The nations of the world are looking for survival strategies and better ways of solving socio-political and economic problems encountered on daily basis. The European Union (EU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in reaction to these events are negotiating economic partnership, treaties and agreements in view of alleviating the socio- political and economic problems in their regions. Thus, the globalisation of trade relations, in the international political system, has necessitated bilateral, multilateral and partnership agreements among nations; regional and sub regional groups. This is because; the nations of the world are looking for survival strategies and better ways of solving socio-economic problems encountered on daily basis. This research therefore looked at issues of trade, developments and integration in ECOWAS. These problems have been central and germane, to the socio-economic development and integration of the West African states since the establishment of ECOWAS commission in 1975. Therefore, the broad objective of the research cantered on a critical investigation and analyses of the economic partnership agreement between EU and ECOWAS and the unravelling of its implications for West African sub regional integration.This research was basically qualitative. It adopted the historical, documentary and survey approach using a descriptive mode of analysis, tracing the historical background of the ongoing economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the EU and ECOWAS, and the consequent implication for west African sub regional integration. The sampling techniques adopted was the combination of multistage and purposive style, hence, structured questions via interview of government official and selected economic civil societies were used to gather data which were analysed using descriptive statistics such as: frequency distribution, averages, trend analysis, pie and bar charts. The sample comprise of two countries: Nigeria and Ghana. The secondary information was sourced from documents, official reports, conferences/workshops, newsletters, bulletins, and press releases.The study found out based on the perception of respondent and comparative studies of the selected countries, Nigeria and Ghana, that, the EPA negotiations between the EU and ECOWAS though still ongoing, has had tremendous impact on the economies of the ECOWAS states, in the areas of trade through free trade; import and export; as well as the applications of rules of origin; developments, through standardization of product in compliance with WTO specifications; increase in the number of people employed by the various industries upgrading of infrastructural facilities; and improvement in the integration drives of West African sub regions ECOWAS commission. It has also jump started the move to form West African Economic and Monetary Union(WAEMU), to facilitate easy foreign exchange trade relations through a common currency.The research concluded that West African sub regional integration initiatives are pragmatic move towards economic growth, sustainable development and integration. The study therefore recommended that there is the need by member state to accelerate the process of implementing the treaties or protocols entered into, such that, free movement of persons and goods are guaranteed. Also, member States must take proactive steps to minimize the spate of corruption and harassment of foreign nationals at their border posts, in particular, the 'uncountable security check points by custom and immigration, officials

Furthermore, the Anglophone States has been challenged by the success of Francophone States with respect to financial integration, having attained a monetary union in a common currency, Union Economic Monetary of West Africa (UEMOA).Since the theme of this research is still ongoing and yet to be concluded, it is hereby suggested that further studies should be conducted to see how the EPA would be concluded. The studies of other sub regions should also be conducted to see the impact such economic partnership agreement could bring to them in Africa.