The Politics of International Economic Relations in West African Sub-Region: A Study of Niger-Nigeria Bilateral Relations

Abstract

This study examines the politics of international economic relations in West African sub region with particular emphases on Niger - Nigeria bilateral relations. This study specifically assesses the trade relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic; the level of integration between Nigeria and Niger; the bilateral relations between the two countries. The study also identifies the challenges confronting their bilateral relations. The source of data for this study was mainly from secondary source. The study was analysed using content analysis. From the result of the study reveals that the economic trade relations between Nigeria and Niger involve the exports and imports goods and services. On the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Niger the study reveals that territorial unity and cohesion beyond successive authorities under the old empires of the Songhrai, the Borno, and the Hausa city-states. Despite the modern state system thus were able to retain their territorial relations and a very strong cultural tie. Fundamental characteristics of Hausa territory and the Maradi micro-region the considerable interdependence between settlement dynamics, urban development, agricultural production and trade with all these factors, the area has greater potential for integration than most other West African areas in economic and social development. The findings reveal that the challenges confronting Nigeria and Niger economic relations include high rate of smuggling which has destroyed the local industrial growth. Several clashes also occurred between the smugglers and their cohorts. Also the informal trade has also created security challenges especially in Nigeria as most of the smugglers engage in arms trade in light weapons, which has led to insurgency in the two countries. The study recommended that Nigeria and Niger should intensify the joint border patrols to tackle smuggling and insurgency affecting the two countries. There should be reliable structures of security cooperation to prevent the spill-over of conflicts which Boko Haram has benefited from the Libya cum Mali conflicts.