An assessment of regional economic communities’ role in shaping Nigeria’s trade policies: A case study of ECOWAS (2000–2020).
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Background of the Study:
Regional economic communities such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have significantly influenced the formulation of trade policies among member nations. Nigeria, being a key player in ECOWAS, has experienced various trade policy adjustments aimed at harmonizing regional trade, reducing tariff barriers, and enhancing intra–regional cooperation (Olufemi, 2023). Over the period under study, ECOWAS has spearheaded initiatives to facilitate cross–border trade, foster investment, and create a unified market that benefits all member states. These efforts are seen as instrumental in improving trade competitiveness, diversifying exports, and driving economic integration across West Africa (Akin, 2024). However, challenges such as policy misalignments, infrastructural deficits, and political divergences have sometimes limited the effectiveness of these initiatives. This study examines how ECOWAS has shaped Nigeria’s trade policies, assessing both the successes and limitations of regional integration in promoting balanced and sustainable trade practices (Bello, 2025).
Statement of the Problem:
Despite the promising framework of regional economic integration, Nigeria’s trade policies have not fully capitalized on the benefits offered by ECOWAS. Policy misalignments between national and regional directives, infrastructural inadequacies, and political disagreements have constrained the positive impact of ECOWAS on Nigeria’s trade performance (Olufemi, 2023). These limitations hinder the ability of local industries to fully participate in the regional market and reduce trade deficits. The study seeks to identify the critical challenges and evaluate the extent to which ECOWAS influences Nigeria’s trade policies, with the aim of proposing measures to strengthen this relationship (Akin, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
• To assess the influence of ECOWAS on Nigeria’s trade policy formulation.
• To identify challenges limiting the effective integration of regional and national trade policies.
• To recommend strategies for aligning Nigeria’s trade policies with ECOWAS directives.
Research Questions:
• How has ECOWAS influenced Nigeria’s trade policies?
• What are the main challenges in integrating regional and national trade strategies?
• What policy measures can enhance the effectiveness of regional economic integration?
Research Hypotheses:
• H1: ECOWAS positively influences Nigeria’s trade policy framework.
• H2: Infrastructural and policy misalignments hinder the effective integration of regional directives.
• H3: Enhanced policy coordination can improve the alignment of trade policies with regional objectives.
Significance of the Study:
This study evaluates the role of ECOWAS in shaping Nigeria’s trade policies, providing critical insights into the challenges and opportunities of regional economic integration. Its findings will help policymakers align national trade strategies with regional frameworks to boost trade performance and economic development (Olufemi, 2023; Akin, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to examining the role of ECOWAS in shaping Nigeria’s trade policies, focusing solely on regional and national policy interactions.
Definitions of Terms:
• Regional Economic Communities: Groups of countries that collaborate to promote economic integration and trade.
• Trade Policy: Government strategies that determine how international trade is conducted.
• ECOWAS: The Economic Community of West African States, a regional organization aimed at economic integration.
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