The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been slow in achieving its objective because of______________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the main reason ECOWAS has been slow in achieving its objectives (economic integration, free movement of people and goods, a common currency, and so on).

Step 2: Explain the concept ECOWAS was founded in 1975 (Treaty of Lagos) to promote economic integration among West African states. Regional blocs depend on member states' commitment, stable governments, and consistent policies. The commonly cited obstacles are:

• Political instability (coups, civil wars, and changes of government in member states)
• Border disputes and mutual distrust
• Colonial ties (Francophone vs Anglophone divisions)
• Similar, non-complementary economies
• Multiple currencies and poor infrastructure

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Activities of multinationals: Not a recognised primary obstacle to ECOWAS integration.
• B. Inadequate personnel at the secretariat: Not a major cited cause. The secretariat in Abuja is functional.
• C. Political instability: The best answer. Coups and conflicts (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and others) have repeatedly disrupted integration and drained resources, and changing governments weaken commitment to agreed protocols.
• D. Inadequate international support: Not the main factor. ECOWAS receives support from partners like the EU and the UN.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. political instability.

Tip: For questions on why African regional organisations (ECOWAS, AU, OPEC-type blocs) are "slow" or "ineffective", think of internal political problems first: instability, lack of political will, and member-state rivalry. Such answers are far more common in JAMB than external factors.