How France, other powers hindered ECOWAS’ aspirations – Prof. Otubanjo

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has struggled to achieve its core objectives, not just because of internal economic and political challenges but also due to external interference, particularly from France.

This is the view of Femi Otubanjo, a retired professor of political science and research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), who argued that French influence has prevented the subregional bloc from realising its full potential.

“For most of its existence, ECOWAS has had to deal with the manipulation of other powers, particularly France,” Otubanjo said during a recent interview on Arise News.

“That has not allowed the full implementation of the aspirations of the organisation. You can see the bitterness of some of these countries against France, it has been overbearing.”

The international affairs analyst pointed to the stalled implementation of the ECO, a proposed common currency for the subregion, as one example of France’s interference.

The move, which could have boosted economic integration and reduced dependence on foreign currencies, has been repeatedly delayed due to concerns about French control over the financial systems of its former colonies.

Even without external pressure, ECOWAS faces many obstacles. The economic situation in West Africa has worsened since the bloc’s formation, with many member states grappling with poverty, terrorism, and political instability.

“The economies of the region have performed more woefully than they were at the beginning of ECOWAS,” Otubanjo noted.

“Nigeria, which was once a buoyant economy, is now suffering a downturn. Countries like Niger, Mali, and Chad are battling mass poverty, climate change, and terrorism.”

He described ECOWAS as “a collection of poor states,” arguing that regional cooperation alone cannot lift these nations out of economic hardship.

“In primary school, we were taught that zero plus zero equals zero. When there’s a combination of poverty, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to get out of it too quickly,” Otubanjo said.

According to the professor, Nigeria, the bloc’s largest economy and traditional leader, is also in crisis. Once the driving force behind ECOWAS peacekeeping efforts, such as ECOMOG’s interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Nigeria now lacks the resources and stability to assert itself.

“When they were talking about going to Niger to restore constitutional governance, it was a joke,” Otubanjo said. “We simply don’t have the resources to do it. It’s a country that, after 65 years, is not even producing its own guns, let alone armored vehicles and fighter jets.”

Nigeria’s domestic issues, ranging from economic hardship to insecurity, have weakened its ability to lead.

“Our economy is in chaos. People are hungry. We still haven’t dealt with terrorists and bandits. Is it a country of starving people that will be an effective hegemon?” Otubanjo queried.

Despite its challenges, Otubanjo believed ECOWAS remains necessary. “It has not been successful, but it has not been a failure either,” he said. “We need it to continue promoting the regional idea, improving trade, and addressing the challenges of the region.”

However, for ECOWAS to thrive, he insisted that Nigeria must first put its house in order. “We should be leading, but size alone is not enough. We need competence, resources, capacity, and leadership. Until then, our regional ambitions will remain unfulfilled,” he said.