Regional Economic Blocs in Nigeria: An Ethnographic Comparative Study

Regional economic blocs (REBs) in Nigeria are significant for understanding regional integration dynamics in Africa, offering insights into governance structures and socio-economic impacts. The study employs qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with policymakers, economic experts, and community leaders. Data analysis involves thematic coding and cross-comparison across different REB structures in Nigeria. A notable finding is the high proportion (70%) of members reporting perceived benefits from membership within specific REBs, though there are significant variations by region regarding governance quality and resource allocation effectiveness. The study reveals that while some regional blocs have effectively stimulated economic growth in Nigeria, others struggle with implementation issues. This highlights the need for tailored policy approaches to enhance regional integration outcomes. Policy recommendations include strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing transparency, and investing more resources in capacity-building programmes within member states.