ABSTRACT

This paper sought to evaluate the concept of Trade Liberalization and Development in Nigeria especially from 1999 to 2010. It was discovered that Trade liberalization theory is a branch of international trade as popularized by Adam Smith, which promotes free trade between states. It stipulates that free trade will lead to an increase the wealth on nations. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the role of trade liberalization in the economic development of Nigeria. The study was carried out using the world systems theory, which believes that there is a world economic system in which some countries benefit while others are exploited. Secondary sources of data were used in the study. Our findings however reveal that trade liberalization quite contrary to what its proponents have postulated has not resulted to any economic growth in Nigeria. From the data we have presented it has been shown that Nigerian economy was doing relatively well in the 1960s, but started declining when she started opening up her economy to the outside world buying all manners of goods from the developed countries. This paper therefore suggests that for Nigeria to benefit from world trade, she must not only be an importer, but also an exporter. She must develop her technology through a strong educational policy which will enhance Nigeria’s economic nationalism as well as build up a strong industrial base so as to make her products competitive at the international market.

Keywords: Trade liberalization, Socio-Economic Development