THE IMPACT OF TARIFFS ON RICE AND AUTOMOBILE IMPORTS ON NIGERIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2015-2024)

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of tariffs on Nigerian economic development,focusing on the importation of rice and automobiles. The study assesses how tariff policies haveinfluenced domestic production. The study adopted the ex-post facto design as the methodology.The data collected was analysed using linear regression and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). Thefindings reveal that while tariffs have led to marginal increases in local production, especially inrice farming, they have also resulted in higher consumer prices, smuggling, and inadequate growthin local automobile assembly. The study concludes by recommending that the government shouldstrengthen domestic production incentives through subsidies, training, and access to credit, ratherthan relying primarily on restrictive trade policies. Also, the Nigerian government should investin vocational training and R&D in auto technology to improve local content.