Nigeria’s membership of the ECOWAS is informed by her desire to___________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks why Nigeria joined ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). The key is in the name itself: it is an economic community.

Step 2: Recall the concept ECOWAS was founded on 28 May 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos, with Nigeria (under General Yakubu Gowon) playing a leading role. Its main aims are:

• Promoting economic integration among West African states
• Removing trade barriers and encouraging free movement of people, goods and services
• Promoting cooperation and development in the sub-region

Security and peacekeeping (e.g., ECOMOG) came later, as secondary roles.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Develop a market in the sub-region: This is a result of integration, not the fundamental reason. It is too narrow.
• B. Form sub-regional high command: This is a military aim. ECOWAS was not founded for that purpose, and ECOMOG came later.
• C. Become a sub-regional power: Nigeria is influential, but this is not the stated objective of joining. It is a by-product, not the purpose.
• D. Promote economic integration: This matches the core objective of ECOWAS and Nigeria's motive for joining.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. promote economic integration.

Exam tip: For questions on organizations, look at the name and founding purpose. ECOWAS = Economic Community, so choose the economic-integration option. Be careful with options like "market development", which sound plausible but are narrower than the main objective.