Influence of information sharing on international trade facilitation in nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of information sharing on international trade facilitation in Nigeria. The research questions focused  on the organisations that generate information for international trade facilitation, the types of information do the international trade  facilitators generate and means of information sharing among the international trade facilitators in Nigeria. Quantitative research  method using cross-sectional survey was used. The population for this study was 3,929. The sample size of 357 was considered  appropriate for this study. The instrument used to collect data for this study was questionnaire. It was found out that the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) among others are the  international trade facilitators involved in the generation and utilisation of information in Nigeria. The types of information generated by international trade facilitators in Nigeria are the bill of lading, single goods declaration, cargo manifest, regulatory certificates etc.  Information is shared through movement of documents, the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) etc. It is concluded  that information sharing influences international trade facilitation in Nigeria. Custom Service, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Central  Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are among the major facilitator for cross border trade. It is recommended that government agencies like the  Federal Inland Revenue Service, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency that have little role to play  in facilitating cross border trade in Nigeria should be removed from the cross-border trade facilitation processes. Necessary cross border  trade information contained in the bill of lading, single goods declaration, cargo manifest etc., should all be incorporated into a single  online form. The Nigeria Custom Service should spearhead the management of the technology for information sharing among relevant  agencies and international trade facilitators for cross border trade in Nigeria.