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ECOWAS is the acronym for Economic Community of West African States which came into being in May 1975. The ECOWAS Treaty was created to foster the economic integration and shared development of West African sub-region. ECOWAS member States are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Togo.
Ecowas Nationals do not need visas o enter the country. However, they are required to register with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). The registration is satisfied by obtaining the ECOWAS Residence Card (ERC). ECOWS Citizens (Resident in Nigeria) must have entered into the country before applying for the ERC.
The treaty allows for free Entry into any ECOWAS member state and stay for 90days.
Requirements to procure an ECOWAS Residence Card:
1. Application letter (from the individual/company who will bear immigration responsibility of the applicant);
2. The Original ECOWAS Travel Certificate or Passport of the applicant valid for not less than 6 months
3. Copy of applicant's ECOWAS Travel Certificate or Passport of the applicant valid for not less than 6 Months
4. 2 passport photographs.
5. Evidence of payment
An ECOWAS National employed in Nigeria would need the following, in addition to the above:
1. Letter of offer of employment
2. Letter of acceptance of offer of employment
3. Applicant's credentials
4. Evidence of registration with professional bodies (if applicable)
The card is Valid for two (2) years.
Requirement for renewal are:
1. Application letter for renewal (from the individual/company who will bear immigration responsibility of the applicant);
2. Copy of ECOWAS Travel Certificate or passport and ECOWAS Card of the applicant
3. The Original ECOWAS Travel Certificate or passport and ECOWAS Card of the applicant
4. 2 passport photographs.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
