GLOBAL TRADE GOVERNANCE AND THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM: ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN INCLUSION.

Abstract

The study examines the interaction between global trade governance and Nigerian legal system and argues for inclusion of women in global economy. Global trade governance and the Nigerian legal system are interrelated issues that propel women to thrive in commercial sphere. This qualitative investigation aims to shed light on the interaction between global trade governance, Nigerian legal system and the need for repositioning of women for wealth. The method adopted is doctrinal via textbooks, internet material and case laws. The study explores prominent theoretical framework for comprehending international trade frameworks, Nigerian legal system and challenges of women’s exclusion in global economy, emphasizing their implications for development of nations and implementation of legal mitigation frameworks. This study explored prominent theoretical frameworks such as liberal trade theory, mercantilist/neo-mercantilist theory, institutional/regime theory, dependency theory and developmental theory that shed light on global trade governance. The work showed that, even though global governance cannot apply automatically in Nigeria by virtue of Section 12(1) of the Constitution, Nigerian legal system has aligned comprehensively with its provisions for effective global trade. However, women are still under-represented in global economy despite plethora of legal frameworks that provides for their inclusion. The work further reveals that economic empowerment bridges gender gap and reduces poverty at all levels. Furthermore, women advancement will help to attain the United Nation’s 
mandate on Sustainability development goal. These challenges are multifaceted and include: non domestication of treaties, digital divide, socioeconomic and cultural practices. The paper recommends for review and implementation of extant laws such as 1999 and domestication of relevant laws.