Weight of Nigeria in the international trade of Benin country and sensitivity of Nigeria political decisions for the Beninese economy

In this paper the historical structure of trade between Benin and Nigeria is analyzed. The impact of Nigeria land borders closure on the Benin economy is simulated using a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The results show that Nigeria retains considerable weight off Benin international trade and the adverse effect of Benin's export response to a shock on Benin's economy is very considerable because of its geographical proximity to Benin. The simulations show that with the closure of Benin-Nigerian borders has a negative impact on the level of Benin's total exports and that the prolonged closure of Nigeria's borders with Benin results in a drop in customs revenue which could slow down Economic Growth.