Background of the Study :
International trade policies play a crucial role in shaping a country’s market access by regulating tariffs, trade agreements, and export incentives. In Nigeria, the Ministry of Trade has implemented various measures between 2000 and 2020 aimed at enhancing the country’s integration into global markets. These policies are intended to reduce trade barriers, increase export competitiveness, and attract foreign investment. As a result, Nigerian products are expected to gain better access to international markets, thereby boosting economic growth and diversifying export portfolios (Okonkwo, 2023). However, the effectiveness of these policies is often constrained by domestic challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and policy inconsistencies (Adeniyi, 2024). This study examines how international trade policies have influenced Nigeria’s market access by analyzing trade flows, export performance, and policy outcomes. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between government policies and international trade dynamics, ultimately offering recommendations to optimize market access and improve global competitiveness (Chukwu, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the implementation of international trade policies designed to enhance market access, Nigeria continues to experience limited success in penetrating global markets. Inconsistencies in policy execution, coupled with domestic infrastructural and administrative challenges, have hampered the expected improvements in export performance. The resulting trade imbalances and reduced competitiveness of Nigerian products indicate a disconnect between policy objectives and actual market outcomes. This study seeks to identify the factors undermining the effectiveness of these trade policies and evaluate their overall impact on market access. Addressing these issues is critical for developing more robust and coherent trade strategies that can better integrate Nigeria into the global economy (Okonkwo, 2023; Adeniyi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To evaluate the impact of international trade policies on Nigeria’s market access.
2. To identify challenges affecting the implementation of these policies.
3. To propose measures to enhance the effectiveness of trade strategies.
Research Questions:
1. How do international trade policies influence Nigeria’s market access?
2. What are the main obstacles hindering effective policy implementation?
3. What strategies can improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets?
Research Hypotheses:
1. H1: International trade policies positively impact market access.
2. H2: Domestic challenges moderate the effectiveness of trade policies.
3. H3: Policy reforms can enhance global competitiveness.
Significance of the Study (100 words):
This study assesses the influence of international trade policies on Nigeria’s market access, providing essential insights for the Ministry of Trade and policymakers. The findings will inform strategies to address domestic challenges and improve the coherence and impact of trade policies, ultimately facilitating better integration into global markets and boosting export performance (Chukwu, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to evaluating international trade policies and their influence on market access in Nigeria, focusing solely on policy analysis and export performance.
Definitions of Terms:
1. International Trade Policies: Government measures regulating trade with foreign countries.
2. Market Access: The ability of a country’s products to enter and compete in international markets.
3. Ministry of Trade: The government agency responsible for formulating and implementing trade policies in Nigeria.
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