Regionalism, Trade, and the Development of Member States: A Perspective of ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme in Nigeria

Regionalism and trade can have an important influence on growth and development of member states; consequently, the role of trade as an engine of growth and development is well acknowledged by every regional organization worldwide. The ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), a regional trade mechanism designed to boost intra-ECOWAS trade is struggling to adequately respond to the economic development of member states. This chapter, therefore, aims to respond to two main questions: how successfully has the ETLS performed in relation to the development of member state? What factors are standing in the way of a successful implementation of ETLS in Nigeria; and how to solve the problem? Using post-neo-functionalism theory to understand the level of success, the study reveals that the existence of several non-tariff barriers that provides a significant explanation and serves as impediments to the implementation of the ETLS in Nigeria.