Trade and agriculture in Nigeria: An examination of deficiencies in Nigeria's framework for international trade in agricultural commodities

Over the years, the development of the Nigerian agricultural sector has been inconsistent. Although considerable effort has been put into harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector in Nigeria, there are gaps in the reform process which are yet to be addressed. For example, to achieve the success envisaged for this sector, there must be an effective constitutional framework in place. Currently,the 1999 Constitution situates agriculture and trade (domestic and international) within the firm grip of the Federal Government, thereby relegating sub-national governments to the background. This was not the case under the 1963 Constitution, when Nigeria's agricultural sector was thriving. It is argued in this chapter that the deviation from the constitutional position under the 1963 Constitution has contributed to the stagnation which has been experienced in this sector. Focusing on two specific issues—the standard/quality of Nigeria's agricultural exports and the significance of trade in agricultural commodities to its development strategy—this chapter critically examines the provisions on trade and agriculture under the 1963 and 1999 Constitutions with a view to identifying deficiencies in the extant system. The chapter also proposes reforms to correct these deficiencies.