By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Albert Siaw Boateng, has said free movement of persons and labour mobility remain critical to regional integration and the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament session, Siaw Boateng said his presentation focused on the link between human mobility and regional integration, labour mobility as a driver of intra regional trade, progress under the 1979 Free Movement Protocol revised in 1993, and challenges affecting labour migration governance.

He explained that the protocol is implemented in three phases; right of entry, right of residence and right of establishment, and described it as a core element of the ECOWAS integration agenda aimed at creating a borderless, community-driven region.

Under the right of entry, citizens can travel visa-free within the region using a passport and the Yellow Card.

According to him, the right of entry is fully implemented; noting that efforts are ongoing to abolish the 90-day stay limit in national laws.

Under the right of residence, citizens can seek employment and remain in host countries according to national provisions, while the right of establishment allows migrants to participate in economic activities, including creating and managing businesses based on the principle of non-discrimination.

Siaw Boateng highlighted the ECOWAS Regional Migration Policy and the Labour Migration Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030, validated in May 2025, which aim to promote safe, regular, and rights-based labour mobility, link migration to development, and strengthen data systems such as the Regional and National Labour Market and Migration Information Systems (LMMIS).

He also listed ongoing ECOWAS initiatives, including the EU-funded FMM West II project, implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, harmonisation of drivers licences, introduction of an ECO Visa, and a regional mechanism to remove obstacles and harassment for inter-state vehicles. Other programmes include joint projects with the African Union, ILO and IOM on social protection portability and labour statistics harmonisation.

Identifying key gaps, he said: “Some Member States have not fully implemented the Free Movement Protocol. There is limited labour inspection for migrant workers, weak social protection portability, skills mismatches and data fragmentation.”

He noted that about 70 percent of migrant workers operate in the informal sector, highlighting the need for their inclusion in social protection systems.

According to Siaw Boateng, labour mobility supports industrial development, addresses skills gaps, promotes women and youth inclusion, and strengthens informal cross-border trade.

He also pointed out opportunities in digital labour mobility systems, skills mobility partnerships, and stronger private sector engagement.

“To conclude, free movement still remains a foundation of motivation. Labour mobility always will drive our productivity. Policy coherence is essential to all our activities within the region,” he said, adding that effective implementation of the protocol will accelerate regional integration and AfCFTA success across West Africa.