Examining How International Trade Agreements Impact National Development and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the impact of international trade agreements on national development and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Over the past few decades, international trade has become a central pillar of economic growth strategies, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. However, while trade agreements such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and regional arrangements like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aim to foster economic development, their effects on domestic democratic processes and governance structures remain contested. By delving into Nigeria’s experience with global and regional trade agreements, this article explores how such agreements have influenced the country’s economic trajectory and democratic evolution.

The article first outlines the theoretical relationship between international trade, development, and democracy, considering neoliberal and developmental state models. It then investigates the specific effects of Nigeria's participation in trade agreements on key sectors of the economy, focusing on the agricultural, manufacturing, and extractive industries. The article argues that while trade agreements have provided opportunities for economic growth, they have also exposed Nigeria’s economy to vulnerabilities that have hindered sustainable development and democratic consolidation. The article concludes by suggesting reforms in trade policies and governance mechanisms to ensure that international trade agreements more effectively contribute to Nigeria's national development goals and democratic deepening.