The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement and Implications for Border Security Management of the Nigeria-Republic of Benin Borders

This paper interrogates the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement and theimplications for border security management of the Nigeria-Republic of Beninborders. The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons was enacted in1979 to ensure the free flow of persons, goods and services deemed crucial toattaining economic integration. Despite the benefits of the Protocol includingpromotion of free trade and commerce as well as easy exchange of human resourcesacross the border, severe challenges still persist such as the concomitant increasein Transnational Organized Crimes (TOCs) that are a signature of Africanborders. Human trafficking is a particularly notorious crime that this articlepays attention to due to the emphasis by the ECOWAS Common Approach toMigration of 2008. Porosity of the borders and inefficient border facilities arealso obstacles. The ECOWAS Protocol though well intentioned has furtheraggravated the problems faced by Nigeria and the Republic of Benin as regardsborders in the sub-region. Unofficial routes have sprung up thereby compoundingthe issue of policing these borders. It is imperative that the governments ofNigeria, the Republic of Benin and the ECOWAS authorities begin to reconsiderthe effects of the protocol in the light of the current realities. This paper makesthe case for a more proactive implementation of the ECOWAS protocol byinstallation and maintenance of sound border facilities, promotion of interagency cooperation across border agencies of both countries and appropriate fundingfor these border agencies.