Intra-Regional Labour Migration From and Into Nigeria and ECOWAS

The study traced the history of intraregional labour migration from and into Nigeria, ECOWAS dating back to the pre-colonial era, in particular the period of the slave trade, between 1400 and 1900, when over 12 million slaves (forced labour) were exported from west, central and eastern African countries (Nigeria inclusive) to European Colonies in the Americas. Other earlier intraregional labour migration includes trade-related migration between Nigeria and Gold Coast (Ghana) and other West African countries and movements of people in quest to secure land and resources within Nigeria by ethnic nationalities. The colonial governments export oriented political economy; post independent political-economic structure and ECOWAS mobility Protocols, facilitated: intra-regional labour migration (rural-rural and rural-urban, urban-urban) which has been a major factor in regional integration and development.