Certainly, Kelechi!
Since you applied for the Foreign Affairs Officer – Grade
Level 9 (GL9) position under the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here are
interview questions categorized by:
1. General Knowledge of Foreign Affairs
2. Current Affairs & International Relations
3. Behavioral & Situational
4. Ethics and Public Service
5. Competency & Experience-Based Questions
Each question comes with sample answers you can adapt to suit your
personal experience.
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🔹 1. General Knowledge of Foreign Affairs
Q1: What do you understand by diplomacy?
A: Diplomacy is the practice of managing international relations through
negotiation, dialogue, and tact. It involves promoting a country’s interests
abroad, maintaining peaceful relations, and resolving conflicts through non-
violent means.
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Q2: What are the primary functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
A:
Representing Nigeria in international affairs.
Promoting and protecting the country's interests abroad.
Negotiating treaties and agreements.
Managing bilateral and multilateral relations.
Providing consular services to Nigerians abroad.
Advising the government on foreign policy matters.
---
Q3: What is foreign policy? How would you describe Nigeria’s current foreign
policy focus?
A:
Foreign policy is a country’s strategy in dealing with other nations.
Nigeria’s current foreign policy emphasizes economic diplomacy, regional
integration, peacekeeping, and promoting Nigerian citizens' welfare abroad,
particularly within ECOWAS and the African Union.
---
🔹 2. Current Affairs & International Relations
Q4: What international organizations is Nigeria a member of?
A:
Nigeria is a member of several organizations including the United Nations
(UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS), Commonwealth of Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), and
OPEC.
---
Q5: Mention one recent international issue Nigeria has been actively involved
in.
A:
One example is Nigeria’s active engagement in restoring constitutional order
in Niger Republic following the 2023 military coup, under the ECOWAS
framework, promoting democratic governance in West Africa.
---
Q6: How would you handle a diplomatic conflict involving Nigeria and
another country?
A:
I would rely on diplomatic tools like dialogue, mediation, and negotiation. I'd
ensure thorough consultation with stakeholders, gather facts, avoid
escalation, and work toward a win-win resolution that preserves Nigeria’s
dignity and international image.
---
🔹 3. Behavioral & Situational
Q7: Tell us about a time you worked under pressure.
A:
During my time as a Legislative Aide, I was once tasked with preparing a
briefing document for the Chairman ahead of a crucial committee meeting
with foreign diplomats. With less than 24 hours, I worked overnight,
researched thoroughly, and delivered a concise brief that was praised and
used during the session.
---
Q8: How would you represent Nigeria’s interests if posted to a foreign
mission where the host country has a different value system?
A:
I would maintain cultural sensitivity and professionalism while firmly
advocating for Nigeria’s interests. Diplomacy requires respect for diversity
and tactful negotiation without compromising national priorities.
---
🔹 4. Ethics and Public Service
Q9: What values must a Foreign Affairs Officer uphold?
A:
Patriotism
Integrity
Discretion
Cultural Sensitivity
Loyalty
Accountability
Diplomacy
These values ensure that the officer represents Nigeria honorably and
maintains public trust.
---
Q10: How would you deal with a case of corruption or unethical conduct in a
foreign mission?
A:
I would report the issue through the appropriate internal channels and
ensure that due process is followed, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
As a public servant, I am bound by the civil service code of conduct.
---
🔹 5. Competency & Experience-Based Questions
Q11: What skills do you possess that make you suitable for this role?
A:
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Analytical thinking
Experience with legislative processes related to foreign policy
Multicultural awareness
A background in International Relations
Proficiency in drafting briefs and policy papers
My academic and professional experience have equipped me to function
effectively in the foreign service.
---
Q12: Where do you see yourself in 5 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
A:
In 5 years, I hope to have completed foreign service training, received a
posting, and be serving in a Nigerian mission abroad, contributing to bilateral
relations, trade promotion, and consular affairs, while advancing Nigeria’s
global image.
---
Here are 50 objective (multiple choice) questions tailored for your interview
preparation for the Foreign Affairs Officer – Grade Level 9 (GL9) role under
the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria. These questions test your
knowledge of international relations, current affairs, diplomacy, public
service ethics, Nigerian foreign policy, and international organizations.
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✅ SECTION A: General Knowledge of Foreign Affairs (1–10)
1. Which of the following best defines diplomacy?
A. Military strategy
B. Economic warfare
C. Peaceful negotiation between countries
D. Domestic policy development
✅ Answer: C
2. Nigeria’s foreign policy is primarily centered on:
A. European integration
B. Africa as the centerpiece
C. Middle East alliances
D. Global isolation
✅ Answer: B
3. The official foreign policy doctrine of Nigeria was launched in:
A. 1960
B. 1970
C. 1981
D. 1999
✅ Answer: A
4. A key function of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to:
A. Manage domestic infrastructure
B. Represent Nigeria in international fora
C. Conduct elections
D. Collect internal revenue
✅ Answer: B
5. Which Nigerian President famously declared “Africa as the centerpiece” of
Nigeria’s foreign policy?
A. Olusegun Obasanjo
B. Goodluck Jonathan
C. Yakubu Gowon
D. Murtala Mohammed
✅ Answer: D
6. Which of the following is NOT an element of foreign policy?
A. Diplomacy
B. Intelligence
C. Taxation
D. Trade
✅ Answer: C
7. The Nigerian Diplomatic Service is managed by:
A. Federal Inland Revenue Service
B. National Assembly
C. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
D. Ministry of Interior
✅ Answer: C
8. A foreign mission is also known as:
A. National Assembly office
B. Diplomatic post
C. Regional base
D. Central embassy
✅ Answer: B
9. Which of these is an official rank in the Nigerian diplomatic hierarchy?
A. Federal Attaché
B. Foreign Officer General
C. Ambassador
D. Head Delegate
✅ Answer: C
10. Nigeria opened its first foreign mission in:
A. Ghana
B. United Kingdom
C. USA
D. China
✅ Answer: B
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✅ SECTION B: International Organizations & Global Affairs (11–20)
11. Nigeria is a founding member of which of the following organizations?
A. OPEC
B. ECOWAS
C. AU
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D
12. The African Union (AU) succeeded which organization?
A. ECOWAS
B. African Economic Council
C. Organisation of African Unity (OAU)
D. African Peace Forum
✅ Answer: C
13. Nigeria became a member of the United Nations in:
A. 1960
B. 1957
C. 1963
D. 1970
✅ Answer: A
14. Which of these is Nigeria NOT a member of?
A. Commonwealth of Nations
B. United Nations
C. NATO
D. ECOWAS
✅ Answer: C
15. The headquarters of ECOWAS is located in:
A. Lagos
B. Accra
C. Dakar
D. Abuja
✅ Answer: D
16. The main purpose of the United Nations is to:
A. Promote war
B. Encourage nuclear buildup
C. Maintain international peace and security
D. Impose trade tariffs
✅ Answer: C
17. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is primarily concerned with:
A. Military cooperation
B. Trade regulations and negotiations
C. Political appointments
D. Currency exchange rates
✅ Answer: B
18. Which of the following is NOT a specialized agency of the UN?
A. WHO
B. UNESCO
C. IMF
D. ECOWAS
✅ Answer: D
19. The Commonwealth consists mostly of:
A. NATO members
B. Former French colonies
C. Former British colonies
D. ASEAN countries
✅ Answer: C
20. Which country recently rejoined the African Union after years of
withdrawal?
A. Libya
B. Morocco
C. Sudan
D. South Africa
✅ Answer: B
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✅ SECTION C: Current Affairs & Global Politics (21–30)
21. Which country experienced a military coup in 2023, prompting ECOWAS
intervention talks?
A. Mali
B. Guinea
C. Niger
D. Burkina Faso
✅ Answer: C
22. Who is the current UN Secretary-General (as of 2025)?
A. Kofi Annan
B. António Guterres
C. Ban Ki-moon
D. Moussa Faki
✅ Answer: B
23. BRICS is an association of five major emerging national economies.
Which of these is NOT a BRICS member?
A. Brazil
B. Russia
C. China
D. Japan
✅ Answer: D
24. Nigeria's permanent mission to the UN is located in:
A. Geneva
B. Addis Ababa
C. New York
D. Paris
✅ Answer: C
25. Nigeria’s current Minister of Foreign Affairs (as of 2025) is:
(Update this based on recent appointment)
✅ *Answer: [Check latest online]
26. Which country is Nigeria’s top oil trading partner?
A. USA
B. India
C. Germany
D. South Korea
✅ Answer: B
27. Which African country recently joined BRICS?
A. Algeria
B. Ethiopia
C. Kenya
D. Tunisia
✅ Answer: B
28. The Russia-Ukraine war began in:
A. 2018
B. 2019
C. 2022
D. 2023
✅ Answer: C
29. Nigeria hosted the 2022 ECOWAS Parliament session in:
A. Lagos
B. Abuja
C. Calabar
D. Port Harcourt
✅ Answer: B
30. Which country recently exited the ECOWAS bloc (2023/2024)?
A. Burkina Faso
B. Guinea
C. Mali
D. All of the above
✅ Answer: D
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✅ SECTION D: Ethics, Civil Service & Conduct (31–40)
31. Public officers in Nigeria are guided by the:
A. Police Act
B. Constitution and Civil Service Rules
C. Armed Forces Act
D. Diplomatic Privileges Act
✅ Answer: B
32. Which of the following is a key ethical principle in public service?
A. Partisanship
B. Corruption
C. Accountability
D. Nepotism
✅ Answer: C
33. The Nigerian Code of Conduct for public officers is enforced by:
A. EFCC
B. DSS
C. Code of Conduct Bureau
D. ICPC
✅ Answer: C
34. Diplomatic immunity protects diplomats from:
A. Promotion
B. Domestic laws of the host country
C. Voting
D. Public opinion
✅ Answer: B
35. A core value of diplomatic service is:
A. Aggression
B. Discretion
C. Partisanship
D. Isolation
✅ Answer: B
36. The oath of secrecy in the civil service is meant to:
A. Protect political interests
B. Conceal crimes
C. Safeguard classified information
D. Delay public access to services
✅ Answer: C
37. The Head of Civil Service of the Federation is appointed by:
A. Senate President
B. National Assembly
C. President of Nigeria
D. Secretary to the Government
✅ Answer: C
38. The full retirement age in Nigeria's federal civil service is:
A. 55 years or 25 years of service
B. 60 years or 35 years of service
C. 65 years or 40 years of service
D. 70 years or 40 years of service
✅ Answer: B
39. Public servants are prohibited from:
A. Joining a football club
B. Belonging to a professional body
C. Engaging in partisan politics
D. Having foreign friends
✅ Answer: C
40. Which of the following is an ethical dilemma in diplomacy?
A. Serving your country
B. Representing a dictator
C. Filing reports
D. Attending meetings
✅ Answer: B
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✅ SECTION E: Nigeria & Global Strategy (41–50)
41. Which document outlines Nigeria’s foreign policy direction?
A. 1999 Constitution
B. Economic Recovery Plan
C. National Development Plan
D. Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Blueprint
✅ Answer: A
42. Which of the following best describes Nigeria’s peacekeeping policy?
A. Militaristic
B. Aggressive
C. Interventionist and cooperative
D. Isolationist
✅ Answer: C
43. Which Nigerian city hosts the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
(NIIA)?
A. Abuja
B. Lagos
C. Enugu
D. Calabar
✅ Answer: B
44. The Treaty of Lagos (1975) established:
A. The African Union
B. OAU
C. ECOWAS
D. The Commonwealth
✅ Answer: C
45. Which regional body is Nigeria using to promote subregional integration?
A. SADC
B. NATO
C. ECOWAS
D. UN
✅ Answer: C
46. What is Nigeria's current stance on Israel–Palestine conflict?
A. Supports Israel only
B. Supports a two-state solution
C. Neutral
D. Supports war
✅ Answer: B
47. Nigeria's Ambassador to the UN is based in:
A. Washington
B. Addis Ababa
C. New York
D. Lagos
✅ Answer: C
48. Nigeria’s visa-free African agreements are part of its:
A. Economic diplomacy
B. Security strategy
C. Electoral policy
D. Customs policy
✅ Answer: A
49. Which Nigerian president first sent troops for UN peacekeeping missions?
A. Obasanjo
B. Gowon
C. Balewa
D. Buhari
✅ Answer: C
50. The ECOWAS standby force was created to:
A. Monitor elections
B. Foster education
C. Respond to conflicts and crises
D. Assist in border disputes
✅ Answer: C
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