This aim of this paper was to examine the effect of Nigerian international trade pattern on Nigeria economic growth from 1980 to 2017. The study used secondary data collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and the World Bank’s World Development Indicators for Nigeria. Engle-Granger Error Correction Model analysis technique was employed for the analytical techniques. Examination of the unit root properties of the data shows that all the variables were not stationary at level. However, after 1st differencing, the variables became stationary at 0.05 level of significance. The co-integration analysis revealed that the variables are co-integrated. Estimates from the error correction shows that import trade negatively effected economic growth during the period under review; while export, and Foreign Direct Investment positively effect economic growth. it was therefore recommended that Nigeria should diversify and industrialize her economy in order to change the current trade pattern.

Keywords : economic growth, export, import, trade pattern, structure of trade.