The move by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to abolish residency permit and introduce common biometric identity card for citizens of the region is the latest in the series of commendable actions being taken towards full sub-regional integration. Heads of state and government of ECOWAS have also directed ministers in charge of security in member countries to review all the security implications of the measures preparatory to the signing of the supplementary Acts on the issues.
The disclosure was made the other day in Abuja at the 37th meeting of the technical committee of West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ). President of ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, reportedly confirmed that the abolition move was aimed at fostering integration in the region.
Represented by the acting director of multilateral surveillance of the commission, Nelson O. Magbagboeola, Ouedraogo urged member states to ensure gradual removal of trade barriers in the region by reducing the number of checkpoints along the international transit corridors. He stressed that ECOWAS commission is committed to integration, inclusive growth and development of the region.
The current effort is not the first towards regional integration. Before now, ECOWAS had succeeded in harmonising the travel passport of its citizens. The commission is also working towards the harmonization of drug standards, among others. These developments are laudable in view of the immense benefits attached. Besides, around the world, integration has become the norm to foster a new economic and political order. Different regions are gearing towards economic integration to enhance common interest.
There is at present the Economic and Monetary Union of almost all the European countries. Some countries in the East, Central and Southern Africa are joined by a Customs and Monetary Union. The Multilateral and Free Trade Area known as the North American Free Trade Zone, NAFTA, joins the United States, Canada and others in North America while Latin American countries have a Customs Union. Gone are the days when countries isolated themselves and had closed borders.
It is remarkable that through integration, neigbouring countries voluntarily choose to upgrade cooperation through the establishment of common institutions and rules. The objective of such may vary and could range from economic to political. Quite often, commercial interests supersede all others since the focus is on achieving broader socio-political objectives, including security, as defined by the participating national governments.
While economic unions in the advanced economies of Europe and America have gone beyond the fundamental issues, the proposed ECOWAS integration framework is still at infancy, towards addressing fundamental issues such as free trade, free movement of people, labour, goods and services as well as capital movement across national borders.
Faced with mounting insecurity occasioned by terrorist activities, the integration should also focus on security. Adopting confidence and security-building measures to curtail trans-border crime is critical. It is noteworthy that the various ministers in-charge of security in the member states have been mandated to evaluate the security implications of the new regime of relaxed residency permit before the necessary documents are given effect. This aspect is very important and should be given full attention.
It is certainly commendable that ECOWAS is working towards removing barriers to regional trade. There is no doubt that free economic exchanges within the ECOWAS region would boost trade and investment as well as enhance the livelihood system of the citizens. Increased level of trade under the integration framework will certainly reduce inflation and tariff barriers associated with international trade thereby resulting in economic prosperity.
It is good that African nations have begun to appreciate the need to remove trade barriers and foster free movement of people and goods. The existing free movement of people under the ECOWAS protocol in which citizens of ECOWAS countries are entitled to residency without visa and could stay without permit for 90 days is good and this has boosted trade and investment within the sub-region.
The complete abolition of residency permit should further enhance free movement and investment and boost economic activities.
