Nigeria's External Relations: Dynamics And Challenges

Abstract

This paper examines the development of Nigeria's external relations since independence and also identifies issues, strategies and constraints involved; the challenges within the period of its existence. Nigeria external relations since independence has witnessed ups and downs like most other nation states. Nigeria has been extraordinarily and consistently been guided by the same principles and objectives, especially the promotion of her national interest and the policy of   afro-centricity vis-a-vis her capacity to exercise hegemonic influence in the region. Nigeria has been the chief architect and chief negotiator of peace throughout Africa consequently, Nigeria became the main operator of the engine room of Africa external relations, especially after its own independence in 1960. After independence, Nigeria external relations has been characterized by a focus on Africa and the attachment to those fundamental principles and objectives of African Unity and independence, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-enlightenment and relational economic co-operation and development. Nigeria has been naive by restricting her external relations to Africa, which was laudable only before the 1990's but this evolution is required for her to meet the needs of contemporary diplomacy. It has been observed that from regime to regime, Nigeria has witnessed various adjustments and modifications depending on the orientation of the political leadership. Nigeria external relations commenced on a moderately low level and without a particular direction. It has witnessed a progressive upward and downward slide with successive regimes adopting different strategies in pursuit of afro-centricity. Its challenges include the non-focused on national interest which dictates the course of a county's external elections and indeed its very foundation. Nigeria's national interest has not been jealously guarded by all government in power irrespective of their political or ideological inclinations.