French Language Instruction and West African Economic Integration: A Policy Advocacy Study

West African economic integration under ECOWAS depends on effective cross-border communication, yet the language policy dimensions of integration, particularly the role of French language instruction in Nigeria in reducing communication barriers with francophone member states, have received insufficient policy attention at federal level. This study conducts a policy advocacy analysis examining the case for enhanced French language instruction as a strategic component of Nigeria's ECOWAS integration strategy. A document analysis and stakeholder interview design was employed, systematically reviewing ECOWAS protocols, Nigeria's National Policy on Education, and federal budget allocations to French language education from 2019 to 2024. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 policy stakeholders including Ministry of Education officials, ECOWAS affairs specialists, trade facilitation officers, and French education academics. Results reveal a persistent disconnect between Nigeria's stated commitment to ECOWAS integration and investment in the French language capacity necessary to operationalise that commitment. Federal budget allocations to French language education as a share of total education expenditure declined over the study period. ECOWAS protocols encouraging linguistic integration have not been incorporated into domestic education policy instruments. The study constructs a policy advocacy case for a National French Language Strategy linking secondary and tertiary French instruction investment to specific ECOWAS integration benchmarks. Recommendations include a federal interministerial committee on French language and regional integration. Keywords: French language policy, ECOWAS integration, West Africa, policy advocacy, Nigeria