Which treaty established the Economic Community of West African States in 1975?

The Treaty of Lagos established the Economic Community of West African States in 1975.

Representatives of 15 West African countries signed the treaty in Lagos, Nigeria, on 28 May 1975. Cape Verde joined later, bringing ECOWAS membership to 16 founding-era participating states before subsequent membership changes.

The organization was created to promote economic integration, trade, cooperation and development across West Africa. Its agenda has included customs cooperation, transport links, regional infrastructure, free movement and a proposed common market.

The Treaty of Lagos is sometimes confused with the Treaty of Abuja, which established the African Economic Community in 1991. It is also distinct from the Lomé and Cotonou agreements, which governed relations between the European Community or European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific states. ECOWAS later developed political and security responsibilities in addition to its original economic mission.