Analysing Trade Creation and Trade Diversion effects in ECOWAS Regional Trade Agreement

Aim/Purpose – The study focuses on trade creation and diversion effect in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional agreement. It examines if ECOWAS agreement has brought about and/or before period ban certain items importation by Nigerian government as against terms 
 Methodology uses augmented gravity model. Estimations were carried out bilateral flows, within region. Secondary data (2008-2018) obtained from reliable sources. Ordinary least squares (OLS) panel regression was used to analyze data. Findings found that GDP (wealth), population political stability exporting countries will significantly foster intra-regional flow while variables like land area, landlocked distance reduce population, landlocked, corruption perception importing are not be statistically significant. R2 being coefficient determination falls between 54.8% 63.3% which implies independent have been able explain total variations dependent variable.
 Research implications Membership some members Global System Trade Preferences among developing (GSTP) resulted diversion; whereas, participation Monetary Union (WAEMU) contributed level region.
 Originality/value/contribution region can improved upon provided all member states adhere strictly