International Trade Law and the Protection of Nigerian Textile Industries: A WTO Perspective

This research investigates the interaction between World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and Nigeria's efforts to protect its domestic textile industry, which remains economically significant in the North West geopolitical zone, particularly in Kano and Kaduna States. The proliferation of imported textiles, including smuggled fabrics from Asia, has significantly undermined local production and employment in this sector. The study uses a doctrinal research approach, examining WTO agreements on tariffs and trade, safeguard measures, anti-dumping regulations, and special and differential treatment provisions for developing countries. It assesses whether Nigeria's use of import bans and tariff adjustments on textile products is consistent with WTO obligations or constitutes a breach of its commitments under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of ECOWAS trade policy in addressing the challenge of intra-regional textile smuggling and its impact on Nigerian manufacturers. Findings suggest that Nigeria operates at a significant disadvantage in WTO dispute settlement due to limited legal and technical capacity, making it difficult to challenge unfair trade practices by major exporters. The research recommends investment in WTO legal capacity within Nigeria's trade ministries, greater engagement in multilateral trade negotiations, and the adoption of targeted industrial policy instruments compatible with WTO rules. Keywords: WTO, textile industry, trade law, GATT, Nigeria.