Trade Liberalization and Trade Flows in Nigeria An Aggregated Analysis

This study examines the impact of trade liberalization and trade flows in Nigeria using an econometric regression model of the Ordinary Least Square OLS . From the result of the OLS, it is observed that trade flows and export subsidies have a positive relationship with economic growth. This means that when trade flows and export subsidies are increasing, it will bring about more growth in Nigerian economy. On the other hand, import tariffs, import quotas and export taxes have a negative impact on economic growth in Nigeria. This means that if import tariffs, import quotas and export taxes are falling, there will be increase in economic growth. From the empirical work reviewed, some authors argued that trade liberalization and trade flows is positively related to economic growth while some authors argued that it is negatively related. The findings of the study also show that trade flows, import tariffs, import quotas and export taxes are statistically significant in explaining the Nigerian economy while export subsidy is statistically insignificant. The study therefore recommends that government should encourage import liberalization through reduction in tariff rates, gradual removal of Non-Tariff Barriers NTB , outright banning of certain goods which will ensure that our imports, following trade liberalization, is directed mainly on intermediate and capital goods. Imports of consumables would be brought to nil and therefore there would be a corresponding increase in the production of competitive import. Finally, the government should vigorously seek to improve the international stand of the economy with other economies of the world so as to enlarge the market for Nigerian exports. It should also re-orient its policy towards the external sector and ensure that the sector contribute optimally to output growth. Anionwu, Carol "Trade Liberalization and Trade Flows in Nigeria: An Aggregated Analysis" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-6 , October 2018, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd18911.pdf