WAEC 2016 Geography · Question 41

The introduction of ECOWAS passport among member countries is to promote

Options

  1. A.Economic co-operation
  2. B.Trade amongst member states
  3. C.Free movement of people in the sub-region
  4. D.Cultural co-operation

Answer: C. Free movement of people in the sub-region

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the specific purpose of the ECOWAS passport. The key word is "passport," which is a travel document for people.

Step 2: Explain the concept ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was founded in 1975 with the Treaty of Lagos. It aims to promote integration across West Africa. One of its major protocols is the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment (1979). The ECOWAS passport and travel certificate were introduced to put this protocol into practice, so that citizens can cross borders in the sub-region easily, without visas, for up to 90 days.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Economic co-operation: This is ECOWAS's general overall goal, but a passport is not the specific tool for it.
  • B. Trade amongst member states: Trade is helped by things like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which deals with tariffs on goods, not passports.
  • C. Free movement of people in the sub-region: A passport directly relates to the movement of people. This matches the 1979 Protocol.
  • D. Cultural co-operation: Movement may help culture indirectly, but this is not the main purpose.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is C. Free movement of people in the sub-region.

Tip: In exam questions, match the tool to its direct purpose. Passport → people → movement. Tariffs → goods → trade. Don't pick a broad goal like "economic co-operation" when a more specific option fits.

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