(a) State five objectives of establishing the Economic Community of West African States (b) Give five reasons why the Lake Chad Basin Commission was establi...

(a) Objectives of establishing ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed in 1975 to promote economic co-operation among West African countries.

• To promote co-operation and integration in the economic activities of member states.
• To remove trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas, creating a common market and free trade among members.
• To allow free movement of persons, goods, capital and services within the sub-region.
• To raise the standard of living and promote economic development of the people of member states.
• To promote joint development of infrastructure, industries and resources, and to maintain peace and stability in the region.

(b) Reasons the Lake Chad Basin Commission was established

The Lake Chad Basin Commission was set up by the countries surrounding Lake Chad to jointly manage the resources of the basin.

• To regulate and control the use of the water resources of the Lake Chad basin among member states.
• To prevent disputes and conflicts among member countries over the shared water and land resources.
• To promote joint development of agriculture, fishing and livestock in the basin.
• To co-operate in the fight against the shrinking of the lake and environmental problems such as drought and desertification.
• To promote economic co-operation and the overall development of the member states in the basin.