The politics of cross border trade in africa an assessment of nigeria and niger republic 2009 to 2019

Abstract

The Politics of Cross Border Trade in African continent is an old aspect of International Relations. The trading commodities in Africa among neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Niger Republic are largely Agricultural produce and other goods locally made in the continent or sub-regions. However, Cross Border Trade in the entire African continent is highly informal not only in the West African sub region or between Nigeria and Niger Republic. However, certain impediments to Cross Border Trade along the Nigeria-Niger corridor affects the expected revenue generation for the benefit of both countries while on the other hand, affects the formal records on movement of goods, peoples and Capital across border. The research employed Mixed Methods of data collection, presentation and Analysis through the use of both Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. Thus, Content Analysis was used while on the other hand Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Observations were adopted to collect first hand data. The Research adopted Theory of Regioal Integration in its Theoretical Framework for analysis. In its findings, the Research discovered that, The Research in its findings concluded that, Traders across Nigeria Niger Border usually developed a personal relationship with Border Security Agents which gave them access to and from one country to another informally. This is also due to the existence of Contiguous Zones located at border community between Nigeria and Niger Republic. Based on the aforementioned, the Research recommended that, salary and other fringe benefits for Border Security Agents should be paid well and allowances should be given in due course and on regular basis. The Government then employ severe punitive measure and other necessary legal actions on whosoever caught collecting bribe or engaged in corrupt practices. This measure if adopted holistically will reduce the rate of corruption to barest minimal level between Cross Border Traders and Border Security Agents.. newline