Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Regional Obligations and Constant Order Closures

Abstract

Colonialism destroyed Africa’s long-standing intra-African trade. Hence, at independence there was a move for regional integration to diversify Africa’s economy. Nigeria had been at the driving seat of Africa’s regional integration. In West Africa, Nigeria pioneered the formation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975. Though Africa has 21.2% of the global landmass and 13.7% of world population, its share of global economic activities is a meagre 2.6%. Its intratrade is 12%, paralleled to an average of 53.5% in other regions of the world. However, Nigeria over time has engaged in anti-trade policies like border closure, the latest being on 20 August 2019, three months after signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This has caused ripples within Nigeria, West Africa and Africa at large. This study interrogates Nigeria’s constant border closures, with questions on whether it is in Nigeria’s national interest and if its objective were achieved? The study uses the Regional Leader Role framework of analysis, a sub-set of National Role theory (NRC). The study is a qualitative and non-experimental study and is based on the single case ex-post-facto (after-the-fact) design. Documentary method of data collection is used. The study concludes that Nigeria with over 1,499 illegal land routes into the country, cannot even ‘close’ its border, hence border closure is a lose-lose policy for Nigeria and recommends collaborative actions with her neighbours, the strengthening of border and ports infrastructures as the way forward.

A Review on Economic Implications of Nigeria’s Border Closure on Rice Importation

“…The decision to close the border was prompted by the desire to safeguard and support Nigerian farmers, boost domestic production, and lessen the country's reliance on rice imports. The government's reasoning for enforcing import restrictions, according to Emeka and Nwangene, 2021;Enyiazu, 2022, andIdoniboye-Obu, 2022, was based on the expectation that such actions would facilitate the emergence of favorable conditions for domestic farmers to adequately satisfy internal rice demand, thereby fostering agricultural industry expansion. The border closure, which was intended to be a temporary measure, has lingered for an extended period of time and has greatly impacted business activities.…”

“…As a result of certain firms closing, residents in particular regions may notice a decrease in their economic possibilities and income. Prioritizing comprehensive research of border towns' particular requirements and vulnerabilities, officials must then implement tailored measures to strengthen economic resilience and encourage growth (Enyiazu, 2022). To address regional imbalances, a comprehensive strategy that considers a variety of factors, such as infrastructure development, market access facilitation, and the implementation of inclusive policies that promote economic diversification beyond the scope of cross-border trade, is required.…”

“…Investigating the economic ramifications of the border closure could provide valuable insight into the greater trade dynamics and interdependence between Nigeria and its trading partners. This allows for the evaluation of trade policies' effectiveness and alignment with national objectives (Ekanem, 2021;Enyiazu, 2022;Uwak & Ebong, 2023). Before designing trade policies that encourage both regional integration and economic progress, policymakers must thoroughly understand this concept.…”