ECOWAS was established in

Analyze the question: The question asks for the year ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was established.

Explain the concept: ECOWAS is a regional economic bloc of West African countries, created to promote economic integration, trade, and cooperation among member states. It was largely driven by Nigeria (under General Yakubu Gowon) and Togo (under General Gnassingbé Eyadéma).

Step-by-step solution:

1. The idea of a West African community was developed in the early 1970s, with Nigeria and Togo leading the push.
2. The treaty creating ECOWAS was signed in Lagos, Nigeria, on 28 May 1975.
3. The 1975 treaty is the founding event, so the establishment year is 1975.
4. The other options are incorrect: 1970 and 1972 were pre-treaty years of discussion, and 1976 is not the founding year. (A protocol on implementation was signed in 1976, which is a common distractor.)

Correct answer: C. 1975.

Tip: Remember "Lagos 1975" and link it with Gowon: ECOWAS = Lagos Treaty, 28 May 1975. Also note that the revised treaty was signed in Cotonou in 1993. Examiners often use 1976 (the protocols) and 1993 (the revised treaty) as distractors.