ECOWAS PROTOCOL ON FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND TRANS-BORDER SECURITY IN WEST AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM THE NIGERIA-BENIN CORRIDOR.

Abstract

The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment promotes regional mobility, but its implementation faces security challenges at porous borders. This study assessed Protocol implementation and trans-border security implications along the Nigeria–Benin corridor. A cross-sectional descriptive survey involved 245 traders, civil servants, security personnel, students and other respondents at Seme–Krake and Owode–Idiroko border posts, selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were collected from 10–28 February 2026 using an expert-validated questionnaire, piloted with 20 participants (Cronbach’s α = .78), and analysed using SPSS version 26 through frequencies, percentages and 95% confidence intervals.

Findings showed that 63.3% of respondents were familiar with the Protocol, while 44.9% perceived implementation as partial, 22.4% as poor and 8.2% as complete. Almost half (49.0%) described legal crossing as difficult or very difficult. Leading security challenges included smuggling (32.7%), irregular migration (22.4%) and corruption among border officials (16.3%). Security problems were considered serious or very serious by 73.5%, while 28.6% reported experiencing extortion or bribery. Furthermore, 81.7% perceived security challenges as affecting bilateral cooperation. Joint patrols (34.7%) and trade/customs cooperation (26.5%) were the most recognised cooperative measures.

The study concludes that Protocol enforcement remains uneven, with respondents identifying weak border control, economic hardship and poor inter-agency coordination as major constraints. Administrative reform, institutional capacity building and rights-based border governance are needed to reconcile regional mobility with security.