Bibliography: leaves 206-221.In West Africa, where most countries attained independence in 1960 or around that time, Economic co-operation and integration have been pursued at different levels with varying degree of successes. This study addresses Nigeria 's policy in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between 1979-1997. It is an investigation of the forces that have been driving the integration efforts in West Africa. The study focuses on the period between 1979-1997. The analysis proceeds through three phases: Firstly the Alhaji Shehu Shagari Era 1979-1983; secondly, the General Muhammadu Buhari era 1983-1984; finally the General Ibrahim Babangida/Ernest Shonekan/General Sani Abacha eras 1984-1998. The policy posture of Nigeria as a regional power-broker is the focal point of analysis in relation to specific Protocols of the ECOWAS Treaty. Three policy courses pursued by Nigeria during this period have been the subject of examination in this study: the expulsion of illegal immigrants most of whom were citizens of ECOWAS member states in 1983 and 1985, the land border closure of 1984-1985, and Nigeria 's role in ECOMOG. These policies are analysed in tandem with the Protocol on the free movement of goods; persons and services, the 1979 Non-Aggression Pact, the 1981 Mutual Assistance Protocol and the Protocol dealing with landlocked and Island member states. Other sub- regional forces like the linguistic barriers between the Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone speaking states, the involvement of external powers like France, Britain and the United States of America and the regional rivalry between Cote d 'lvoire, Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Nigeria are also interrogated. The study concludes that regional integration is the most viable alternative for the socio-economic development and political stability of countries in the subregion. However, because of the disparity in the level of economic development, the issue of free movement of persons should be handled with high political tact in order to avoid a repetition of the 1983 and 1985 Nigerian expulsions. Such moves may not be a contravention of the Protocol in question but will dampen the spirit of 'oneness' that is a sine qua non for the success of the Community. Moreover the implementation of such a sensitive Protocol as the 1979 Non-Aggression Pact and the 1981 Mutual Defence Agreement needs a clear mandate to reduce the controversy that arises over the interpretation of such Protocols. This will reduce the regional tensions and acrimony as is manifested over Nigeria 's pivotal role in ECOMOG. Finally, the study concludes that Nigeria has a very significant role to play in ECOWAS. The realisation of the dreams of the founders of the Community is highly dependent on a consistent policy course by Nigeria in the affairs of ECOWAS
