External trade indices of Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper is divided broadly into four parts. The first part considers the objectives and the uses to which the indices could be put. The second part deals with a description of the methodology spelling out various techniques employed in combating conceptual as well as practical problems ranging from the source and quality of the data, selection of items, weights and formula considered relevant and suitable, down to the calculation procedure. Attention is devoted in the third part to the results that emerge including an assessment of the movements exhibited by the indicators over the reference period. The fourth part treats some problems to be considered in the future compilation of the series and the concluding remarks touch on the need to maintain continuity of the series