Browsing by Author "Wasiu Adeyemo BABALOLA"

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    Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and Nigeria Bilateral Agreements - A Comparative Legal Framework Analysis
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2024-12) Wasiu Adeyemo BABALOLA
    This thesis provides a legal analysis of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its implications for Nigeria’s bilateral trade agreements. As Nigeria is both a party to AfCFTA and numerous bilateral agreements, the legal compatibility between these frameworks is critical for the country's trade policy and economic development. The study focuses on the legal provisions of AfCFTA, including trade liberalization, rules of origin, and dispute resolution mechanisms, and examines how these align or conflict with Nigeria’s existing bilateral agreements. Particular attention is given to issues such as non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, and the legal complexities of regional integration. The methodology adopts a doctrinal legal research approach, analyzing treaties, legal frameworks, and case law to assess the interaction between AfCFTA and Nigeria’s bilateral agreements. Comparative legal analysis is also used to explore how other jurisdictions with similar multilateral and bilateral commitments have navigated these legal overlaps. The research findings highlight that, while AfCFTA presents opportunities for enhanced intra- African trade and regional economic integration, there are significant legal challenges for Nigeria. These include potential conflicts between AfCFTA’s rules and existing bilateral treaties, the need for reform in Nigeria’s trade dispute mechanisms, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights. The study concludes with legal recommendations for aligning Nigeria’s bilateral agreements with AfCFTA, ensuring legal coherence, and fostering compliance with international trade laws to maximize Nigeria’s economic benefits under the AfCFTA framework. Keywords: AfCFTA, Bilateral agreements, International economic law, Nigeria, Trade law Word Count: 231