INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY 2019 - 2024

Abstract

This review examines international trade and the Nigeria economy between 2019 and 2024, with particular emphasis on trade diversification in non-oil sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Nigeria’s heavy dependence on crude oil exports has continued to expose the economy to external shocks, limiting inclusive growth and effective poverty reduction. public support for trade diversification as a critical pathway for poverty reduction, employment generation and sustainable national development. The results further indicate that improvements in infrastructure significantly enhance Nigeria’s participation in international trade, while effective social protection measures play a vital role in ensuring that trade benefits are equitably distributed, particularly among vulnerable populations.The study concludes that international trade can. However, without deliberate policies to address structural constraints and inequality, the poverty-reducing potential of trade remains limited. Based on these conclusions and findings, the study recommends sustained investment in agriculture and manufacturing, improved infrastructural development, expansion of social protection programmes, and the adoption of inclusive trade and economic policies to ensure equitable distribution of trade benefits and long-term national transformation.