The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formally established in Lagos on _________

Analyze the question: The question asks for the date ECOWAS was formally established in Lagos.

Concept: ECOWAS was created by the Treaty of Lagos, signed on 28 May 1975 by 15 West African countries. The push came mainly from Nigeria (under General Yakubu Gowon) and Togo (under General Gnassingbé Eyadéma). The aim was to promote economic integration, trade, and cooperation among member states. The treaty was later revised in 1993 (Revised Treaty of Cotonou) to strengthen the community.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The question mentions Lagos, which points to the Treaty of Lagos.
2. Check each option against known dates: • A. December 20, 1945: Not linked to ECOWAS. Many post-war international arrangements date from this period. • B. June 20, 1963: Not correct. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was founded in May 1963 in Addis Ababa, not in Lagos. • C. March 15, 1971: Not linked to ECOWAS. • D. May 28, 1975: This is the date the Treaty of Lagos was signed, formally establishing ECOWAS. 3.

Answer: D. May 28, 1975

Tip: Remember "75 in Lagos": ECOWAS = 1975 = Lagos = Gowon. Also remember that the OAU was 1963 (Addis Ababa) and the African Union replaced it in 2002. Linking each organisation to its year and city helps you avoid mixing them up.