Nigerian Foreign Policy (1 Credit) C (POL 223)

The broad goals and development of Nigerian Foreign Policy in historical sequence are examined. The influence of domestic and external factors on Nigerian Foreign policy at different periods are also identified. The course also analyses the process of foreign policy formulation and implementation.

1. The meaning of Foreign Policy
2. The history of Nigerian Foreign Policy
3. The broad goals and development of Nigerian Foreign Policy
4. The influence of domestic and external factors on Nigerian Foreign Policy at different periods
5. The process of Foreign Policy Formulation and Implementation

A country's foreign policy (also called the international relations policy) is a set of goals about how the country will work with other countries economically, politically, socially and militarily. Foreign policy also involves dealing with groups that are not countries but that are still important. These are called non-state actors, and might include religious groups, large companies, or even terrorist groups. The study of foreign relations is known as foreign policy analysis (FPA) and the work is called diplomacy. Most countries have a foreign minister who directs these things.

Foreign policy means the policy of nurturing and promoting one's national interest while interacting with other countries. Every country decides on the framework of its foreign policy and according to its principles, it takes decisions about how and what kind of transactions it would carry out with other nations.

 History of Nigerian Foreign Policy

The history of Nigerian Foreign Policy (N.F.P.)/ (NFP) started as far back as 1st October 1960. Even though not   much attention or interest were shown by the Nigerian government concerning the FP , which is said to have been  inherited  from the colonial masters, who lacked interest on the people of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Therefore, the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa in his Foreign Policy statement outlined the fundamental thrust of Nigerian foreign Policy as follows: 

1.      The sovereign equality of all African states

2.      Non-interference in international affairs of other African states

3.      Commitment to functional cooperation as a means of promoting African unity

4.      Total eradication of racism and colonialism from Africa(okolie in Agbu, 2008:6)

As far back as in 1960 Nigeria’s foreign policies have been characterized by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by the attachment to several fundamental principles. African unity and independence, capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region, peaceful settlement of disputes, non -alignment and non - intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations,  and regional economic co-operation and development has been their utmost aim. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria took part in the organization of African Unity (OAU) which is presently African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), The Commonwealth and the United Nations.

Nigeria’s foreign policy trends on the development and formulation since 1960, has consistently been guided by the same principles and objectivity. Although while the main thrust of the country’s foreign policy, the promotion of her national interest and the policy of afro-centricity remained permanent, the strategy and emphasis for such protection by successive regimes varied from one to another.

While the substance of Nigeria’s foreign policy remained largely the same from regime to regime. Nigeria’s foreign policy, however, witnessed various adjustments and modifications depending on the orientations of the political leaderships. In addition, the prevailing domestic (political, economic and socio-cultural realities) and international environments have been major determinants in Nigeria’s foreign policy trends over the years.

Nigeria's Foreign Policy since Independence

1.      The Balewa era- ( 1960-66)

2.      Crises and civil war period (Gowon period, 1960-70)

3.      Post-war eras of the 3Rs- Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation.

4.      Gowon era (1970-75)

5.      The Muritala Obasanjo era (1975-79)

6.      The second republic era (1979-83)

7.      The Buhari/Idiagbon era (1983-85)

8.      The Babangida era (1985-93)

9.      The Shonekan/Abacha era (1993-June 98)

10.  The Abubakar era (June 1998-May 1999)

Each of the regimes operated according to the prevailing domestic or national and international environment including the goals set by each of the leaders.

Africa as the Centerpiece of Nigeria's Foreign Policy is a concept that is premised on the understanding that Nigeria's engagement in the international system was seen as the binoculars of  Africa. As Hon. Aja Wachukwu (Former Nigerian Diplomat) stated, 'charity begins at home and therefore any Nigerian foreign policy that does not take into consideration the peculiar position of Africa is unrealistic'. For the records, it’s the Adedeji Report of 1976 (Professor Adebayo Adedeji) that coined the concept: 'Africa as centre-piece'.

The issues that gave practical expression to this African-centeredness were the remnants of colonialism on the continent, apartheid in South Africa, liberation wars, ideological and proxy conflicts among others. Apart from these politically pressing factors, the issue of a shared racial universe, of cultural neighbourhood, of shared historical experiences and the ideals of pan-Africanism further lubricated the wheels of this foreign policy conceptualization.

The broad goals and development of Nigerian Foreign Policy

Under the framework of an Africa-centered foreign policy, Nigeria got involved deeply in the decolonization struggles in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa and in the process earning for itself the appellation a 'frontline nation', even though she was geographically far removed from the theater of the struggles which was in the Southern African region. Nigeria is central to the formation of ECOWAS, has contained the breakdown of social order in Liberia, Sierra Leone, etc, through its world acknowledged peacekeeping expertise, and has provided economic life wire to less economically resourceful countries. In terms of proactive engagement with major socio-political and economic issues of continental importance in the last fifty one years, Nigeria is at the helm of affairs above any other African country.

Since this phraseology appeared on the Nigeria foreign policy scene, it has continued to reproduce itself, like the ever recurring mathematical decimal. The foreign policy elite and political leadership of successive governments seems to be carried away by its philosophical allure rather than its rational ideation. In this sense, therefore, considerations of the economic benefits, continental political leadership, national interests, and military partnerships and strategic engagements are sacrificed on the altar of good neighbourliness and psychological gratification. In discussing psychological gratification this issue has to do with the psychological construction and mentality of Nigerians that verge on bigmanism, show-off and materialism. Beneath all these however, lies a massively gigantic emptiness and inferiority complex. Most often, the flagrant display of materialism among Nigerians is a product of psycho-social insecurity skyrocketed to the international arena, in this sense, Nigeria wants to present an image of a big brother image before the other African countries.

This reason accounts for why in spite of the huge financial expenditures and massive loss of human and material resources in the Liberian and Sierra Leone wars, for instance, Nigeria has not been able to reap any economic benefits despite their labour on rescuing their brothers. Up until date, one cannot tell one single Nigerian company involved in the post-conflict reconstruction activities going on in those countries. What major economic niche has Nigeria carved for herself in these post-conflicts countries? There is hardly anything one can point or lay a finger towards. Yet, the Africa-centredness framework has continued to maintain a stronghold on Nigeria’s foreign policy. 

 Why Nigeria’s Demonstrated Africa as the Centerpiece of her Foreign Policy

i.                    Developing programmes for possible assistance to other African countries

ii.                  Fostering understanding among them other African nations.

iii.                The belief in the sovereignty and equality of African states.

iv.                Working towards de-colonization of African continents under colonial rule.

v.                  Respect for non-interference in the domestic affairs of other African states.

vi.                To support the then struggle against apartheid policy and its eradication in South Africa.

vii.              Promoting friendly association among independent African states.

Reasons for the Adoption of Africa as the Centerpiece of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

1.      Ideological rivalries: To remind Nigerians of the ideological rivalries that has penetrated Africa, to pursue and to unite African efforts in preventing Africa from becoming the theatre of world crises.

2.      Inter-territorial communication: To co-operate with African states for an improved inter-territorial communication and transport facilities of the continent.

3.      Decolonization of African states: Nigeria made Africa the centerpiece of her foreign policy because of the refusal of some colonial masters to grant independence to some African territories under the colonial rule.

4.      Location: Geographically, Nigeria is located in Africa and it is natural that African states should first receive Nigeria’s attention before other states of the world.

5.      Assistance: To provide assistance to other African states and foster understanding among them.

6.      Friendly association: To help in promoting friendly association, unity of purpose among independent African states.

7.       Opposition to aggression: To oppose any form of aggression and support the demand for the restoration of fundamental human rights in Africa.

Measures taken by Nigerians in Maintaining a Friendly Relationship with African States

1.       Participating actively in economic union.

2.      Being first in initiation of peaceful settlement of crises among African countries.

3.      The advocate for Peaceful resolution of disputes with their neighbouring countries

4.      Bi-lateral economic/political relationships are being established.

5.      Participation in peace keeping operations in Africa.

6.      They promote multi-lateral economic relationship with African countries.

Plan of action adopted by one nation in regards to its diplomatic dealings with other countries. Foreign policies are established as a systematic way to deal with issues that may arise with other countries.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/foreign-policy.html

In geography and politics, a country is a political division. Some of the best-known countries are Germany, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There are 196 of them in the world, or 195 if Taiwan is not counted as a country.

Most countries in the world are sovereign states, meaning they are independent of each other. The term is most commonly used as both a state and a nation. 193 of the world's countries are part of the United Nations, which recognises lots of countries and other dependent territories.

The state or public sector includes institutions and organizations. The state takes some of the earnings from the business companies and households, and uses it to pay for "public goods" like streets or education, to be available for everyone. The last subject is foreign countries. This includes all households, business companies and state institutions, which are not based in one's own country. They demand and supply goods from abroad

The objects (things acted upon) in economic study are consumer goods, capital goods, and factors of production. Consumer goods are classified as "usage goods" (for example, gasoline or toilet paper), as "purpose goods" (for example, a house or bicycle), and as "services" (for example, the work of a doctor or cleaning lady). Capital goods are goods which are necessary for producing other goods. Examples of these are buildings, equipment, and machines. Factors of production are work, ground, capital, information, and environment.

Politics is all about groups decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements. These people are called politicians. Politicians, and sometimes other people, may get together to form a government. The study of politics in universities is called political science, political studies, or public administration.

In everyday life, the term "politics" refers to the way that countries are governed, and to the ways that governments make rules and laws. Politics can also be seen in other groups, such as in companies, clubs, schools, families and even in churches.

Historical definitions of Politics

The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote that humans are a political animal and that ethics and politics are closely linked.

Niccolo Machiavelli wrote that politics was firstly about having and keeping power. He said that without power, a leader could do nothing.

In 1651, Thomas Hobbes wrote Leviathan, a book about politics. Hobbes wrote that people living in groups often give up some of their rights in exchange for some protections from a government.

In the 1800s, John Stuart Mill developed the "liberal" idea of politics. Mill said that democracy is the most important political development of the 1800s. He said that there should be more protection for individual rights against the government.

Bernard Crick wrote a list of the political virtues, which were about best practices of politics itself.

Governments

The government tries to lead the whole group. Governments do things such as:

·         Decide which people get which pieces of land

·         Decide which people can tell other people what to do

·         Decide whether to go to war with another country

·         Create money

·         Build things for the use of the whole group, such as roads, hospitals, libraries, and docks.

·         Educate people, either for their own good, or to teach them what the government wants them to know

·         Take care of the very young, the sick, or the very old

·         Manage the welfare of the country and manages the money available for spending on services (Hospitals, Schools, etc.)

One of the ways the government leads the group is by making laws and rules which tell everybody what they can and cannot do. The government makes these laws so that society will be safe and well-ordered. The law that "you must not drink alcohol while driving a car" stops people from drunk driving, which could kill people. The law "you must wear a helmet on a motorcycle" makes sure that people protect themselves.

The government can also control people and what happens in a country in other ways besides making laws.

·         For example, how the government spends its money makes a big difference in what people will do or what will happen to people. If the government spends a lot of money on hospitals and nurses, the people will probably become healthier.

·         Also, if people like their government, or think that their government is wise, they may do something just because their government says it is a good thing to do. Governments often make posters or television advertisements that encourage people to stop smoking cigarettes or eat more fruits and vegetables.

Politics is often compared to ethics (ideas about right and wrong). Ethics is a more abstract study of right and wrong. Ethics is usually more concerned with principle than law or politics or diplomacy, so many people think ethics is not practical. But without some agreement on ethics, there is probably no way to even have a debate, laws or an election. There is always some agreement on ethics and personal conduct in a political system.

Political Parties

In most countries, people have formed political parties to put forward their ideas. There is usually some disagreement between people within a party, but they work together because they feel that they agree on enough things, and they will have more power if they join together. They agree to take the same position on many issues, and agree to support the same changes to law and the same leaders. An election is usually a competition between different parties. Some examples of parties are the Liberal party, the Labor party and the Greens.

International Politics

There are also disagreements between different countries. Attempts to solve the problem with meetings are called diplomacy. This is politics between nations instead of politics within nations. If the problems are not resolved by diplomatic meetings they can lead to war or terrorism.

Meaning of Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy can be defined as a country's strategy in dealing with other countries. A foreign policy, also called foreign relations or foreign affairs - policy refers to the strategies a country use to pursue her interests within the global system.

Nigeria’s foreign policy refers to self-interest action plans chosen by the Federal Government to safeguard Nigeria’s national interest within the international system.

National or domestic interest is a major factor in foreign policy implementation.

History of Nigerian Foreign Policy

Since Nigeria's independence in 1960, Nigeria’s foreign policies have been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by the attachment to several fundamental principles - African unity and independence, capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region, peaceful settlement of disputes, non -alignment and non - intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations,  and regional economic co-operation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the organisation of African Unity (OAU) - now African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), The Commonwealth and the United Nations.

Generally, Nigeria’s foreign policy trends (the development and formulation) since 1960, has consistently been guided by the same principles and objectivity. Although while the main thrust of the country’s foreign policy, the promotion of her national interest and the policy of afro-centricity remained permanent, the strategy and emphasis for such protection by successive regimes varied from one to another.

Africa as the Centerpiece as Nigeria's Foreign Policy

While the substance of Nigeria’s foreign policy remained largely the same from regime to regime. Nigeria’s foreign policy, however, witnessed various adjustments and modifications depending on the orientations of the political leaderships. In addition, the prevailing domestic (political, economic and socio-cultural realities) and international environments have been major determinants in Nigeria’s foreign policy trends over the years.

Names of External Affairs Ministers that played crucial roles in Nigeria's Foreign Policies

2. Dr Jaja Nwachuku (1961–1965)
3. Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli (1965–1966)
4. Yakubu Gowon (1966–1967)
5. Dr Arikpo Okoi (1967–1975)
6. Joseph Nanven Garba (1975–1978)
7. Henry Adefope (1978–1979)
8. Ishaya Audu (1979–1983)
9. Emeka Anyaoku (1983)
10. Ibrahim Gambari (1984–1985)
11. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi (1985–1987)
12. Major General Ike Nwachukwu (1987–1989)
13. Alahaji Rilwan Lukman (1989–1990)
14. Major General Ike Nwachukwu (1990–1993)
15. Matthew Mbu (1993)
16. Babagana Kingibe (1993–1995)
17. Tom Ikimi (1995–1998)
18. Ignatius Olisemeka (1998–1999)
19. Sule Lamido (1999–2003)
20. Oluyemi Adeniji (2003–2006)
21. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2006)
22. Joy Ogwu (2006–2007)
23. Ojo Maduekwe (2007–2010)
24. Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi (Supervising) (2010)
25. Henry Odein Ajumogobia (2010–2011)
26. Olugbenga Ashiru (2011–2013)
27. Viola Onwuliri (Supervising) (2013–2014)
28. Aminu Bashir Wali (2014–2015)
29. Geoffrey Onyeama (2015–present)

Present Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister is Geoffrey Jideofor Kwusike Onyeama. He was appointed for the position in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The process of Foreign Policy Formulation and Implementation

Nigerian Foreign Policy is formulated in a highly complex and dynamic environment. Based on this issue some factors influenced the external policy of a given state they have to do with

i.                    The strength of the economy

ii.                  The national sentiments and aspiration

iii.                The level and quality of information at the disposed of the sitting government

iv.                Leadership perception

The appropriate governmental institution for the conduct of foreign Policy is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Others for the making and implementation of Foreign Policy include:

1. Ministry of Defense
2. Ministry of Finance
3. Ministry of Petroleum Resources
4. Ministry of Economic Development
5. The Presidency and National Assembly
6. Nigerian institute of international Affairs
7. Nigerian institute of Policy and Strategic studies (okolie, 2009)

The Primary responsibilities of Foreign Affairs Ministry include:

i.                    Establishment and administration of Nigeria’s diplomatic and consular ports

ii.                  Conduct of government business in the legislative relating to Foreign and Commonwealth relations

iii.                Training of Nigerians overseas representation

iv.                Emigration

v.                  Relations with diplomatic corps in Nigeria

vi.                Consular matters affecting Nigerians outside Nigeria

vii.              Passport, travel certificates etc (Okolie, 2009, in Chibundu, 2003:25-26 )

Formulation of Nigeria's Foreign Policy

1.      The incumbent president is technically responsible for formulating Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

2.      Consultations: Consultations are made with Nigeria’s diplomats abroad, experts in the universities, the business community, leaders of thought, etc. before taking decisions.

3.      The minister and the ministry of external affairs: The presidency is assisted in policy formulation by the minister and officials of the ministry of external affairs as well as experts at Nigerian’s Institute of International Affairs.

4.      Clear and practical policies: Adoption of clear and practical policies regarding Africa with view to bringing about co-operation and progress to all African stanites.

5.      Friendship and co-operation: The country maintains friendship and co-operation with other nations of the world that respect their territorial sovereignty.

6.      Independence of African states: Helping non-independent African states to achieve total independence confirming the statement that Africa is the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

7.      Respect for territorial integrity: Nigeria has respect for other states based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

8.      Peaceful resolution of crises: Joining other states to find peaceful resolution to crisis in ECOMOG, troops in Liberia, Sierra-Leone, etc.

Since independence, with Jaja Wachuku as the first Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commons, later called External Affairs, Nigerian foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; non-alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.There are many Nigerian organizations outside the country. Prominent among them is the Houston, Texas United States-based Nigerian Union Diaspora (NUD), which is the umbrella Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for the economic and political empowerment of the people of Nigerian descent outside Nigeria.

 Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria quickly committed itself to improving the lives of the people of the country and harnessing the resources that remain vital to the economy of the country and her neighbours. By observing at what benefits and appropriate for the country, Nigeria became one of the founding members of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union. The Organisation for African Unity checks political stability of any African countries and encourages them to be holding regional meetings for the union. Nigeria backed the African National Congress (ANC) by taking a committed tough line with regard to the South African government and their military actions in southern Africa. Nigeria and Organisation for African Unity (OAU, now the African Union), has tremendous influence in West Africa nations and Africa on the whole. Nigeria has additionally founded regional cooperative efforts in West Africa, functioning as standard-bearer for ECOWAS and ECOMOG, economic and military organisations, respectively.

Similarly, when civil war broke out in Angola after the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Nigeria mobilised its diplomatic influence in Africa in support of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). That support helped tip the balance in their favour, which led to OAU recognition of the MPLA over the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola.

Nigeria extended diplomatic support to another cause, Sam Nujoma's Southwest Africa People's Organization in Namibia, to stall the apartheid South African-installed government there. In 1977, the new General Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime donated $20 million to the Zimbabwean movement against the apartheid government of Rhodesia. Nigeria also sent military equipment to Mozambique to help the newly independent country suppress the South African-backed Mozambican National Resistance guerrillas. Nigeria also provided some military training at the Kaduna first mechanised army division and other material support to Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe's guerrilla forces during the Zimbabwe War in 1979 against the white minority rule of Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith, which was backed by the apartheid -government of South Africa.

Due to mismanagement of her economy and technology, Nigeria announced that she was launching a nuclear programme of "unlimited scope" of her own but failed. After the Nigerian Independence in 1960, Nigeria demonstrated her seriousness in improving the economy for the people and embarked on nationalizing some multi-national companies that traded with and broke the economic/trade embargo of the apartheid South African regime, the local operations of Barclays Bank was nationalised after that bank ignored the strong protests by the Nigeria populace.

Nigeria also nationalised the British Petroleum (BP) for supplying oil to South Africa. In 1982, the Alhaji Shehu Shagari government urged the visiting Pontiff Pope John Paul II to grant audience to the leaders of Southern Africa guerrilla organisations Oliver Tambo of the ANC and Sam Nujoma of SWAPO. In December 1983, the new Major General Muhammadu Buhari regime announced that Nigeria could no longer afford an apartheid government in Africa.

Nigeria and West Africa

In pursuing the goal of regional economic cooperation and development, Nigeria helped create ECOWAS, which seeks to harmonize trade and investment practices for its 16 West African member countries and ultimately to achieve a full customs union. Nigeria also has taken the lead in articulating the views of developing nations on the need for modification of the existing international economic order.

Nigeria has played a central role in the ECOWAS efforts to end the civil war in Liberia and contributed the bulk of the ECOWAS peacekeeping forces sent there in 1990. Nigeria also has provided the bulk of troops for ECOMOG forces in Sierra Leone.

Nigeria has enjoyed generally good relations with its immediate neighbours.

The Babangida regime joined the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC, now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), though President Obasanjo has indicated he might reconsider Nigeria's membership. comments are being made for Nigeria to establish more bilateral relations

The Federation of Nigeria became independent from the United Kingdom in 1960 with Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Nigeria. Nigeria became a Commonwealth republic in 1963, when the Governor-General of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of Nigeria.

Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations from 1995 until 1999, when its full membership was restored.