Background of the Study :
International trade law provides the legal framework that governs the exchange of goods and services between countries. For Nigeria, adherence to international trade law is essential for developing robust export strategies that comply with global standards. Over the past decade, Nigeria has undertaken significant reforms to align its domestic trade regulations with international legal norms, aiming to enhance export competitiveness and attract foreign investment (Olayinka, 2023). These legal frameworks are designed to protect intellectual property rights, ensure fair competition, and resolve trade disputes, thereby creating a more predictable and secure trading environment.
Recent research indicates that a strong legal foundation can facilitate market access by ensuring that Nigerian exports meet international quality and safety standards. However, the practical application of international trade law is often challenged by domestic legal uncertainties, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and bureaucratic inertia (Ibrahim, 2024). Despite these challenges, Nigerian policymakers continue to reform trade laws to mitigate these issues and create a more conducive environment for exporters.
This study examines the role of international trade law in shaping Nigeria’s export strategies by analyzing legal reforms, compliance mechanisms, and their impact on market access. The research integrates case studies of key legal interventions with quantitative export performance data to assess the effectiveness of legal reforms. The findings aim to offer insights into how improved adherence to international trade law can enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth (Chukwu, 2025).
Statement of the Problem :
Although Nigeria has made strides in aligning its trade laws with international standards, significant challenges remain in the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws. A primary problem is the persistent gap between legal reforms and their practical application in the export sector. Weak enforcement mechanisms and bureaucratic delays often result in inconsistent compliance with international trade standards (Oluwaseun, 2024). This inconsistency undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s export strategies and limits access to high-value international markets.
Moreover, the domestic legal environment is frequently marked by ambiguities and overlaps that complicate trade transactions and dispute resolution. The lack of specialized trade courts and inefficient judicial processes further exacerbate the problem, deterring potential investors and reducing market confidence. The disconnect between international legal frameworks and domestic implementation creates vulnerabilities that can lead to trade disputes and reduced competitiveness. This study aims to identify these critical gaps and assess their impact on Nigeria’s export performance, thereby proposing legal and institutional reforms to enhance adherence to international trade law (Adeniyi, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
To evaluate the influence of international trade law on Nigeria’s export strategies.
To identify challenges in the implementation and enforcement of trade laws.
To recommend legal and institutional reforms to improve export competitiveness.
Research Questions:
How does international trade law shape Nigeria’s export strategies?
What challenges hinder the effective implementation of these legal frameworks?
What reforms can enhance the alignment of domestic laws with international standards?
Research Hypotheses:
Adherence to international trade law significantly improves export competitiveness.
Enforcement challenges limit the effectiveness of trade law reforms.
Legal and institutional reforms can enhance the practical application of international trade law.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses on Nigeria’s trade law reforms from 2010 to 2024. Limitations include reliance on secondary legal analyses and potential subjectivity in evaluating legal effectiveness.
Definitions of Terms:
International Trade Law: The body of laws governing trade between countries.
Export Strategies: Plans and policies designed to promote a country’s exports.
Legal Reforms: Changes in laws and regulations to improve trade practices.
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