Immigration and Expulsion of ECOWAS Aliens in Nigeria

Abstract

The immigration of ECOWAS citizens into Nigeria gathered momentum after the protocol on the free movement of goods, capital and people was ratified in 1980. This period coincided with the era of oil-boom in the country. However, the influx was disrupted by the expulsion orders of January 1983 and April 1985. It is suggested here that even though the protocol is a laudable objective, the spatial mobility needs to be well monitored and the sovereignty of the state clearly delineated.