Algerian Journal of Management Sciences

Compliance And Challenges In Cross Border Procurement: Navigating International Trade Laws And Regulations In Nigeria And The Ecowas Region

Auteurs : Al-ameen Abdulqadir . Ibrahim Adam .

Résumé

Cross-border procurement in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region is shaped by a complex mix of regulatory, institutional, and operational challenges. Despite Nigeria’s membership in regional trade agreements and adoption of formal procurement frameworks, firms and public agencies face persistent barriers: overlapping regulations, fragmented agency mandates, inadequate infrastructure, endemic corruption, and widespread informality. This study employs a qualitative, multi-method approach—integrating policy analysis, expert interviews, and case vignettes—to critically examine compliance requirements and practical obstacles within the region. Findings reveal that high compliance costs and regulatory ambiguity disproportionately burden small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering reliance on informal networks and undermining state revenue and market transparency. While digitalization and trade facilitation reforms show promise, their impact remains uneven due to limited institutional capacity and inconsistent stakeholder engagement. The research highlights the need for coordinated regulatory simplification, infrastructure investment, inclusive digital transformation, and constructive engagement with informal actors. By prioritizing context-sensitive, adaptive reforms and fostering collaborative governance, Nigeria and ECOWAS can unlock more efficient, transparent, and inclusive cross-border procurement systems, advancing regional integration and sustainable economic development.

Mots clés

cross border procurement ; ECOWAS ; Nigeria ; compliance ; informal trade