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Over the years, trade flows within African countries have faced challenges such as inconsistent regulatory frameworks, poor infrastructure, political instability, and complex customs procedures. Additionally, limited access to finance, corruption, and inadequate market information have hindered seamless business operations. To this end, this study examines how the establishment of the Trade Liberalization Protocol has improved regional economic integration, especially concerning Nigeria's trade activities. Institutional theory was adopted as its appropriate framework of analysis. The study utilized survey method, incorporating both primary and secondary sources of data. The study found that ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), established to enhance intra-regional trade by removing tariffs and non-tariff barriers among member states, has significantly contributed to promoting trade flows across the West African states. By facilitating easier and more cost-effective movement of goods, the ETLS has fostered increased trade volume and economic cooperation within the region. Secondly, while the scheme has improved local business conditions by reducing trade barriers and facilitating access to regional markets, it has not significantly boosted Nigeria's export volume or lowered domestic prices. One major issue is the ineffective internal policies that have hindered the intended benefits of the protocol. To strengthen local products for export promotion, the study recommends among others that Nigeria should focus on developing robust internal policies that address these challenges. This includes investing in infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, streamlining regulatory processes to ensure consistency, and providing targeted support to local businesses through incentives and training programs. By addressing these internal barriers, Nigeria can enhance its export competitiveness and achieve more effective outcomes from the trade liberalization efforts
Umar Usman Bako Bwallah1, Prof. Abdullahi Sallau Modibbo2 & Assoc. Prof. Mohammed Bello Baban’umma3
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Impact of the Trade Liberalization Protocol on Nigeria's Trade Activities
Umar Usman Bako Bwallah, Prof. Abdullahi Sallau Modibbo & Assoc. Prof. Mohammed Bello Baban’umma
Editorial
Published: 28 September 2024
8(1) 71 - 88.
Abstract
Affiliations
Department of Political Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi-Nigeria1,2,3
Corresponding Author
Umar Usman Bako Bwallah
Cite this article
Umar U. B. Bwallah, Abdullahi S. Modibbo & Mohammed B. Baban’umma (2024). Impact of the Trade Liberalization Protocol on Nigeria's Trade Activities. Otuoke Journal of Management Sciences, 8(2) 77 - 88.
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