The organizational structure of ECOWAS revolves around the Conference of Heads of State and Government, Council of Ministers, Tribunal, Executive Secretariat, Specialized Commissions and the Fund for Cooperation, Compensation and Development. The Conference is the supreme authority of the organization. It meets once a year. Its chairman is drawn from the member states in turn.

Supreme authority: Is composed of heads of state of member countries. They meet twice a year and the chairmanship rotates around in the various heads of states.

Council of ministers: It is composed of two representatives from each country and it meets twice a year.

The Secretariat: The Secretariat is headed by an Executive Secretary who is elected for a four-year term, which may be renewed once only. There are five commissions namely, Trade, Customs, Immigration, Monetary and Payments; Industry, Agriculture and Natural Resources; Transport, Communications and Energy; Social and Cultural Affairs; and Administration and Finance. Its headquarters are in Lagos
Based in Togo, the Fund is administered by a Board of Directors. The chief executive is the Managing Director who holds office for a renewable term of four years. In 1988 agreements were reached with the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank on the co- financing of projects and joint training of staff, and it was agreed that the Fund should be opened to non-regional participants.

Community tribunal: This organ ensures that the laws of ECOWAS are observed. It also administers justice between member states i.e settles disputes.

Specialized commissions: The economic community has got four commissions which include the following: Industry, agriculture and natural resources; transport, technology and energy; culture and social affairs; and lastly trade and customs, immigrations, monetary and control.

There is also a Committee of Governors of West African Central Banks, which has been coordinating the implementation of the ECOWAS monetary program. The Treaty also provides for a West African Parliament and an Economic and Social Council.