QUESTION 1

(RE)EXAMINE AND /OR RE(APPRAISE) NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY

OBJECTIVES:( NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES: HOW FAR SO FAR )

Nigeria's foreign policy objectives have been shaped by its unique historical trajectory, regional
dynamics, and global aspirations. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has played a
prominent role in Africa's liberation struggles, championed Pan-Africanism, and emerged as a
key player in regional security and economic integration efforts. Today, as Africa's most
populous country and largest economy, Nigeria faces a complex array of challenges and
opportunities in the international arena. This comprehensive examination seeks to delve into the
multifaceted dimensions of Nigerian foreign policy, assessing its evolution, current objectives,
and the extent to which they have been realized thus far. By analyzing Nigeria's diplomatic
strategies, economic priorities, regional engagements, and global aspirations, we can gain
valuable insights into the complexities of its foreign policy agenda and its role in shaping the
future of Africa and the world.

Nigeria's foreign policy objectives have evolved over time, reflecting changes in global
dynamics, domestic priorities, and regional challenges. Examining them comprehensively
requires delving into historical context, current strategies, and potential future directions.

1.Historical Context: Nigeria gained independence in 1960 amidst decolonization movements

across Africa. Early foreign policy objectives focused on promoting Pan-Africanism, anti-
colonialism, and South-South cooperation. Nigeria played a crucial role in the formation of the
Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and supported liberation
movements in Southern Africa.

2.Regional Leadership: Nigeria seeks to assert itself as a regional power in West Africa. It has
intervened in regional conflicts, such as the Liberian and Sierra Leonean civil wars, to promote
stability and peacekeeping efforts under the auspices of ECOWAS (Economic Community of
West African States). Additionally, Nigeria aims to foster economic integration and development
within the region through initiatives like the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ).
3.Economic Diplomacy: With Nigeria's growing economic influence, particularly as Africa's
largest economy, economic diplomacy has become a key objective. The country seeks to attract
foreign investment, diversify its economy beyond oil, and enhance trade relations with both
traditional partners and emerging economies, notably China.

4.Diplomatic Multilateralism: Nigeria actively participates in multilateral forums such as the

United Nations, African Union, and Commonwealth. It advocates for reforming global
institutions to better represent the interests of developing countries, including a permanent seat
on the UN Security Council.

5.Counterterrorism and Security: Nigeria faces significant security challenges, particularly from
Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast and other militant groups in the Niger Delta.
Consequently, counterterrorism cooperation, security assistance, and regional collaboration are
critical aspects of Nigerian foreign policy, especially within the framework of the Multinational
Joint Task Force.

6.Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Nigeria promotes its cultural heritage, music, literature,
and film industry (Nollywood) as tools of soft power. Cultural diplomacy aims to enhance
Nigeria's image abroad, foster people-to-people ties, and attract tourism and investment.

6.Diaspora Engagement: Nigeria has a large diaspora population, which contributes significantly
to remittances and cultural exchange. The government seeks to harness this resource by engaging
with the diaspora community to facilitate investment, skills transfer, and knowledge exchange.

7.Climate Change and Sustainable Development: As a signatory to international agreements like

the Paris Agreement, Nigeria is committed to addressing climate change and promoting
sustainable development. This includes efforts to mitigate carbon emissions, adapt to climate
impacts, and access climate finance for green projects.

8.Humanitarian Assistance and Peacekeeping: Nigeria provides humanitarian assistance to

countries affected by crises, such as the ongoing conflict in the Lake Chad Basin region. It also
contributes troops to UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its commitment to global peace
and security.
In evaluating the effectiveness of Nigerian foreign policy objectives, several factors must be
considered, including the country's internal stability, economic performance, diplomatic
partnerships, and impact on regional and global affairs. While Nigeria has made strides in
various areas, challenges such as corruption, governance issues, insecurity, and fluctuating oil
prices continue to shape its foreign policy priorities and implementation. Moving forward,
Nigeria's foreign policy will likely continue to adapt to emerging global trends, technological
advancements, and evolving security threats while striving to promote its national interests and
contribute to global peace and development.

QUESTION 2.

CLEARLY STATE NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES, AND ASSESS THE

SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF TWO OF THEM.

Nigeria's foreign policy objectives encompass a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering

regional stability, enhancing economic development, and cultivating diplomatic relations with
other nations. Let's delve deeper into the assessment of two key objectives:

1.Regional Stability: Nigeria has historically positioned itself as a pivotal actor in maintaining
peace and security within the West African region. This objective is evident in Nigeria's active
participation in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and regional
bodies like ECOWAS. For instance, Nigeria played a significant role in the peacekeeping efforts
in Liberia and Sierra Leone during their respective civil conflicts. Nigerian troops were deployed
as part of UN peacekeeping missions to stabilize the situation, facilitate humanitarian assistance,
and oversee the disarmament and reintegration of combatants. These interventions not only
helped restore peace and stability to these conflict-ridden countries but also bolstered Nigeria's
standing as a responsible regional power committed to peacekeeping efforts.

However, while Nigeria's involvement in peacekeeping missions has garnered praise, challenges
remain in sustaining long-term peace and stability within the region. For example, despite
Nigeria's efforts in conflict resolution and peacekeeping, recurring conflicts in countries like
Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Burkina Faso highlight the persistent fragility of peace in the West
African region. Additionally, Nigeria's own internal security challenges, such as the Boko Haram
insurgency in the northeastern region, underscore the complex nature of regional stability and the
need for multifaceted approaches beyond traditional peacekeeping measures.

2.Economic Development: Nigeria's foreign policy also emphasizes the promotion of economic
development through attracting foreign investment, fostering trade relations, and seeking
economic partnerships with other nations. Nigeria, endowed with abundant natural resources and
a large market, has sought to leverage its economic potential to drive sustainable development
and reduce poverty.

For instance, Nigeria has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to attract foreign investment in
key sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, and agriculture. The establishment of
various bilateral and multilateral trade agreements has facilitated the flow of goods and services,
contributing to economic growth and diversification. Moreover, Nigeria's membership in
regional economic blocs like ECOWAS has provided avenues for enhancing intra-regional trade
and economic cooperation among member states.

However, despite these efforts, Nigeria's economic development objectives have encountered
significant challenges and limitations. Persistent issues such as corruption, inadequate
infrastructure, policy inconsistency, and security concerns have hampered the country's ability to
fully harness its economic potential. For example, despite being Africa's largest oil producer,
Nigeria continues to face challenges in effectively managing its oil resources, combating oil
theft, and diversifying its economy away from overreliance on oil exports.

QUESTION 3

SHOW THE INTERPLAY OF NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY AND ITS NATIONAL

INTEREST

The interplay between Nigeria's foreign policy and its national interest is intricate and dynamic,
with the former often serving as a tool to advance the latter. Nigeria's national interest
encompasses a range of objectives aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, promoting economic
prosperity, ensuring regional stability, and enhancing its global standing. Let’s examine how
Nigeria's foreign policy aligns with and serves its national interest:

Economic Diplomacy: Nigeria's foreign policy is closely intertwined with its economic interests,
particularly in terms of attracting foreign investment, securing energy resources, and expanding
market access for its goods and services. Diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering economic
partnerships, negotiating trade agreements, and participating in international forums serve to
promote Nigeria's economic growth and development. For instance, Nigeria's engagement with
organizations like the African Union (AU) and regional blocs such as ECOWAS not only
strengthens its economic ties with neighboring countries but also enhances its influence in
shaping regional economic policies and initiatives.

Security and Stability: Nigeria's foreign policy prioritizes regional stability and security as
critical components of its national interest. Given its strategic location in West Africa and its role
as a regional power, Nigeria has a vested interest in preventing conflicts, combating terrorism,
and promoting peacekeeping efforts within the region. This involves active participation in
regional security initiatives, such as joint military exercises, intelligence-sharing agreements, and
peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and regional bodies like
ECOWAS. By contributing to peace and stability in neighboring countries, Nigeria aims to
protect its borders, prevent the spillover of conflicts, and preserve its territorial integrity.

Diplomatic Influence: Nigeria's foreign policy also seeks to enhance its diplomatic influence and
soft power on the global stage. This involves engaging in diplomatic outreach, participating in
international forums and organizations, and advocating for its interests on issues such as human
rights, climate change, and global governance. By projecting itself as a responsible regional actor
and a voice for Africa, Nigeria can garner support for its priorities, build strategic partnerships,
and influence decision-making processes at the international level. For example, Nigeria's
leadership role in organizations like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its membership in
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) enable it to shape discussions and policies on key
global issues affecting its national interest.

Promotion of Nigerian Culture and Identity: Nigeria's foreign policy also includes efforts to
promote its culture, heritage, and soft power abroad. This involves cultural diplomacy initiatives,
educational exchange programs, and showcasing Nigerian arts, music, and literature on the
global stage. By enhancing its cultural influence and projecting a positive image of Nigeria
abroad, the country can strengthen its national identity, build international goodwill, and attract
tourism and investment opportunities.

Overall, Nigeria's foreign policy is driven by a strategic pursuit of its national interest across
economic, security, diplomatic, and cultural dimensions. By aligning its foreign policy objectives
with its broader national interests, Nigeria seeks to assert itself as a regional leader, enhance its
global influence, and secure its position in an increasingly interconnected world.

QUESTION 10

JUSTIFY WHICH IS PREFERABLE: AFROCENTRISM, NIGERIA'S FOREIGN

POLICY CONCENTRIC CYCLE, OR PROTECTION OF NIGERIA'S NATIONAL
INTEREST?

Nigeria's foreign policy is a multifaceted endeavor, influenced by historical, geopolitical, and

socio-economic factors. In navigating its place on the global stage, Nigeria has grappled with
various approaches, each with its own merits and implications. Three prominent paradigms that
have shaped Nigeria's foreign policy discourse include Afrocentrism, the concentric cycle
foreign policy, and the protection of Nigeria's national interest. Each of these approaches offers a
distinct perspective on how Nigeria should engage with the international community, reflecting
different priorities, values, and strategies. In this essay, we will comprehensively explore and
justify the preferability of each approach, considering their implications for Nigeria's domestic
development, regional influence, and global standing. Through a nuanced analysis, we aim to
provide insights into the complexities of Nigeria's foreign policy landscape and offer
recommendations for a pragmatic and effective approach that serves the best interests of the
Nigerian people.

Each of these approaches carries its own rationale and implications, so let's delve into each one
and justify their preferability:
1.Afrocentrism:

Afrocentrism prioritizes the interests and well-being of Africa and its people. Advocates of
Afrocentrism argue that Africa has been historically marginalized and exploited, and thus it's
crucial to focus on uplifting African societies economically, socially, and politically. This
approach promotes unity among African nations and emphasizes self-reliance, cultural pride, and
the rectification of historical injustices.Example: Nigeria could adopt Afrocentrism in its foreign
policy by actively supporting pan-African initiatives, such as the African Union's Agenda 2063,
which aims for a prosperous and united Africa. Nigeria could increase its contributions to
peacekeeping missions across the continent, provide aid and technical assistance to other African
nations, and advocate for fair trade agreements that benefit African economies.

2.Nigeria's Foreign Policy Concentric Cycle:

Nigeria's concentric cycle foreign policy focuses on maintaining strong relations with
neighboring countries while also engaging with regional and global powers. This approach
recognizes the interconnectedness of Nigeria's security, economic prosperity, and diplomatic
influence with its immediate surroundings and the broader international community. It
emphasizes the importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address common
challenges and opportunities.Example: Nigeria could prioritize its relationships with neighboring
West African countries through initiatives such as the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS). By fostering stability, economic integration, and collective security within
the region, Nigeria can enhance its own security and promote regional development.
Simultaneously, Nigeria could engage with global powers like China, the United States, and the
European Union to attract investment, access technology, and address global issues such as
climate change and terrorism.

3.Protection of Nigeria's National Interest:

Protecting Nigeria's national interest involves safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security,
economic prosperity, and cultural identity. This approach prioritizes policies and actions that
directly benefit Nigeria and its citizens, even if they may not align with broader African or
international goals. It emphasizes pragmatism and realism in foreign relations, seeking to
maximize Nigeria's advantages and minimize vulnerabilities in a complex and competitive global
landscape.Example: Nigeria could pursue policies aimed at diversifying its economy and
reducing dependency on oil exports, which would make it less vulnerable to fluctuations in
global oil prices. Additionally, Nigeria could prioritize securing its borders to prevent illegal
activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and terrorism, thereby enhancing national security and
stability. Nigeria could also negotiate favorable trade deals that protect its industries and promote
job creation, ensuring sustainable economic growth for its citizens.

In conclusion, the preferable approach depends on Nigeria's specific circumstances, objectives,

and values. While Afrocentrism emphasizes solidarity and empowerment within Africa, Nigeria's
concentric cycle foreign policy emphasizes strategic engagement both regionally and globally.
On the other hand, prioritizing Nigeria's national interest focuses on maximizing benefits for the
country and its citizens, even if it means diverging from broader African or international
agendas. Ultimately, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of all three perspectives
may be most effective in advancing Nigeria's interests and contributing to regional and global
stability.

QUESTION 9

GREATEST BENEFICIARIES AND/OR LOSSERS FROM AFROCENTRISM IN

NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY? OR OF WHAT BENEFIT TO NIGERIA IS
NIGERIA’S AFROCENTRIC FOREIGN POLICY?

Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy has both beneficiaries and potential drawbacks, but overall,
it serves Nigeria's interests in promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and pan-
African solidarity.

A.Beneficiaries of Nigeria's Afrocentric Foreign Policy:

1.African Countries: Nigeria's emphasis on Afrocentrism strengthens its relationships with other
African nations. By prioritizing solidarity and cooperation within the continent, Nigeria can build
alliances and partnerships that support its economic and political interests. African countries
benefit from Nigeria's leadership in regional organizations like the African Union (AU) and
ECOWAS, which promote peace, security, and development.

2.Pan-African Institutions: Nigeria's commitment to Afrocentrism strengthens pan-African

institutions and initiatives aimed at addressing common challenges and advancing African unity.
Nigeria's support for organizations like the AU, ECOWAS, and the African Development Bank
(AfDB) enhances their effectiveness in promoting regional integration, economic growth, and
collective security.

3.Diaspora Communities: Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy often includes efforts to engage
and empower the African diaspora. By fostering connections with diaspora communities, Nigeria
can leverage their expertise, resources, and networks to support national development goals and
promote cultural exchange.

B.Potential Drawbacks or Losses:

1.Diplomatic Relations with Non-African Countries: Nigeria's strong focus on Afrocentrism may
strain diplomatic relations with countries outside Africa, particularly those with whom Nigeria
has significant economic or strategic ties. Overemphasis on pan-African solidarity could lead to
tensions or misunderstandings in bilateral relations, especially if perceived as neglecting non-
African partnerships.

2.Economic Opportunities: While Afrocentrism promotes intra-African trade and economic

cooperation, it may limit Nigeria's access to global markets and investment opportunities.
Overreliance on regional trade could hinder diversification of Nigeria's economy and limit its
ability to attract foreign investment from outside Africa.

3.Security Concerns: Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy may face challenges in addressing
transnational security threats that extend beyond the African continent. While cooperation with
African partners is essential for combating regional security challenges, Nigeria must also
engage with non-African actors to address global security issues such as terrorism, cyber threats,
and illicit trafficking.

C.Benefits to Nigeria:
1.Regional Leadership: Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy enhances its reputation as a regional
leader and promotes its influence in African affairs. By championing pan-Africanism and
African unity, Nigeria can shape regional agendas, mediate conflicts, and project its interests on
the international stage.

2.Security and Stability: Afrocentrism contributes to regional security and stability by fostering
cooperation among African nations to address common threats, such as terrorism, piracy, and
transnational crime. Nigeria's engagement in peacekeeping operations and security initiatives
strengthens its role as a stabilizing force in the region.

3.Economic Integration: Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy supports efforts to promote

economic integration and development within Africa. By prioritizing regional trade agreements,
infrastructure projects, and investment partnerships, Nigeria can stimulate economic growth,
create employment opportunities, and reduce poverty across the continent.

In conclusion, Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy has both beneficiaries and challenges, but it
ultimately serves Nigeria's interests by promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and
pan-African solidarity.