One of the problems limiting the achievement of the objectives of the Economic Community of West African states is

Analyze the question: The question asks which factor hinders ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) from achieving its objectives, such as economic integration, free trade, and free movement of people.

Explain the concept: ECOWAS was formed in 1975 (Treaty of Lagos) to promote economic cooperation among West African countries. Well-known problems limiting it include:

• Colonial heritage: members were colonised by different powers (Britain, France, Portugal), so they have different languages (Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone), currencies, legal and administrative systems, and trade links that still tie them to their former colonisers.
• Political instability and boundary disputes.
• Poor transport and communication links between member states.
• Similar (competing) economies that produce the same raw materials.
• Fear of domination by bigger members such as Nigeria.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Use of common currency: This is a goal that helps integration (e.g. the planned "Eco" currency), so it is not a problem.
• B. Strong colonial ties: Many members, especially the Francophone ones, still depend heavily on their former colonial masters for trade, aid, and even currency (the CFA franc is tied to France). This divides the region and weakens cooperation. This is a real limiting factor.
• C. Climatic differences: Climate varies from the Sahel to the coast, but this actually encourages complementary trade (e.g. cattle from the north, cocoa from the south). It is not a major obstacle.
• D. Similarity in languages: Similar languages would help cooperation. Besides, the real issue is language differences (English/French/Portuguese).

Answer: The correct option is **B.

Tip: For ECOWAS "problem" questions, think of the keywords colonial legacy, language barriers, different currencies, political instability, and poor transport links. Any option that sounds like unity (common currency, similar languages) is usually the wrong choice.