Second-hand vehicle markets in West Africa: a source of regional disintegration, trade informality and welfare losses

TitleSecond-hand vehicle markets in West Africa: a source of regional disintegration, trade informality and welfare losses
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsA.E. Ezeoha, C. Okoyeuzu, E. Onah, and Uche C. U.
Secondary TitleBusiness history
Volume61
Issue1
Pagination187-204
Date Published2019
Publication Languageeng
ISSN Number1743-7938
KeywordsBenin, informal sector, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, trade, used goods, vehicles, West Africa
Abstract

This article critiques the second-hand vehicle markets in the West African region, focusing on the triad trading arrangements among Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger. These countries are connected by a number of underlying conflicting interests in the second-hand vehicles trade. Benin and Togo are incentivised by the revenues derived from re-export trade and port operations. Niger provides a proxy market for the illegal re-export of these vehicles to Nigeria, with the latter suffering huge welfare losses as a major consuming nation. We conclude that by offering conflicting benefits to the West African countries, the second-hand vehicle market provides disincentives against true regional integration.

DOI10.1080/00076791.2018.1459087
Citation Key10360