Prospects for Freight and Logistics Companies in Operationalization of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Persons

Free movement of goods and people has been at the heart of ECOWAS regional integration process and past and current efforts at regional integration have often focused on removing barriers to free trade in the region to increase the free movement of goods, people among others across the ECOWAS sub-region. The object of the inquiry of this study was then to a large extent to examine the prospects for freight and logistics companies in operationalisation of the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of goods and persons. The methodology used is qualitative and the interview adopted was non-standardised. From the interviews the findings presented suggest that the introduction of the ECOWAS protocol on free movement has promoted trade within the West African sub-region and it has the potential to stimulate growth and profitability in the freight and logistics industry. The study also among others identified certain indicators showcasing prospects for freight and logistics companies included; higher trade volumes as local economies diversify and expand, growing population within the subregion, domestic consumer demand increasingly wants finished products from abroad, fastgrowing global demand for natural resources from West Africa escalates, infrastructure improves, boosts intra-West African Sub-regional trade. The study recommends that an incorporated transportation network, which is essential for the ECOWAS region must be built and maintained, to smooth the progress of the protocol and the distribution of goods and services. The infrastructure shortfall in many member states must be addressed and road, rail, air and sea networks improved and maintained. And member state should be encouraged to shun continually erecting further tariffs and non-tariffs barriers, custom check posts and rigid procedures etc., which are working against achieving the vision of ECOWAS protocol on free movement.