ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: 1986-2016

International trade policies are targeted at achieving competitive advantages and optimal productivity in the economy, with a view to stimulating economic growth. In the light of this, this study empirically investigates the impact of international trade on economic growth in Nigeria between 1985 and 2016 using a multiple linear regression model and the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation technique. The Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test was used to test for the stationary of the time series data used for regression analysis. The results reveal that the relevant indicators of international trade, such as the coefficients of trade balance, exchange rates, foreign direct investments and degree of trade openness, explicitly captured in the specified regression model have significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria during the period under review, implying that that international trade is an important determinant of productivity in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended among other things that strategies should be put in place by the government to create an effective policy framework for effective management of indicators of international trade in the Nigerian economy with a view to enhancing sustainable productivity and the overall transformation of the Nigerian economy