ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry (up to 90 days)

Nigeria is an active member of ECOWAS. Freedom of movement is enshrined in the ECOWAS Protocol, of 29 May 1979, on the Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and Establishment. This protocol allows ECOWAS citizens: (a) to enter any ECOWAS state without a visa; (b) to reside in any ECOWAS member state for up to 90 days without a visa; and (c) to apply, after 90 days, for a permanent residence permit which allows them to start businesses, seek employment and invest. An ECOWAS passport was established in 2000. So far, only the first phase – abolishing visa requirements if the stay does not exceed 90 days – has been achieved. The right of residence, the aim of the second phase, and the right of establishment foreseen under the third and last phase have not yet been implemented.

protocol allows ECOWAS citizens: (a) to enter any ECOWAS state without a visa; (b) to reside in any ECOWAS member state for up to 90 days without a visa; and (c) to apply, after 90 days, for a permanent residence permit which allows them to start businesses, seek employment and invest.

So far, only the first phase – abolishing visa requirements if the stay does not exceed 90 days – has been achieved. The right of residence, the aim of the second phase, and the right of establishment foreseen under the third and last phase have not yet been implemented.