Reflections on Nigeria's foreign policy.

INTRODUCTION

The research intend to assess perspectives on Nigeria's foreign policy in the year 1960 till 2007.Our curiosity and historical inquisitiveness as regarding this inquiry is predicated about four mainstrands. First, the beginning with the period of time of our study (1960) marks the beginninginvolving Nigeria as an impartial nation as well as in essence her peculiar foreign policy. TheParticular year 2007, as our terminal date, will be an offshoot of the end of a century. Politically,Nigeria gone to live in a democratic government after getting a long period regarding military rulethat made Nigeria being throughout pariah status. Also, the particular period of time among ourchosen landmarks year's period involving time of research witnessed significant changes in Globalaffairs along with attendant effects about Nigeria. Outside Africa, the wider globe will be shrinkingstraight into one (Globalization).

Secondly, your time period spanning forty seven years affords adequate time for your era ofpioneering foreign policy to pass through and also allow Nigeria's national institutions accountablefor its international relations in order to evolve as well as mature in their personal right irrespectiveinvolving the trend associated with events within the country.

Thirdly, the institutions as well as instruments, assumptions, sentiments, ideologies, goals,objectives, methods and a array of some other factors behind the actual national mindset willrequire for you to have passed by means of many trials and gauged against practical experience.

Finally, the particular fourth strand being held in your current mind is usually that historically, theperiod frame affords the opportunity figure out changes and continuities throughout Nigeria'sforeign policy. Throughout essence, we can determine the particular aspects that are transientalong with individuals which are enduring on the schedule of lessons learnt along with conclusionsdrawn.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

There can always be a belief that any nation's foreign policy is not an illogical business; it'ssystematic and organized process. Chandra (1982) observes that simply just like domestic policies,it operates through some laid down guidelines and also procedures and is in addition expected foryou to depend on a feedback mechanism to always be able to be able to assess its impact andacceptability. This study, essentially, therefore, can be aimed at elucidating the particularperspectives on the whole Nigeria's foreign policy creating as well as implementation machineryand also processes. This is having a view to be able to discern changes and continuities around thetime frame regarding lessons learnt and conclusions drawn. This study therefore, will most likely bebeneficial to academics along with possibly public policy makers. For You To scholars, it's likely toadd with their knowledge and also welt their intellectual curiosity and inquisitiveness. To End UpBeing Able To public policy makers, the enduring continuities about the schedule of lessons learntas well as conclusions drawn could form the basis of the far better formulation and alsoimplementation of Nigeria's foreign policy.

SCOPE OF STUDY

As enunciated by simply Hosti (1995:45,210,223), foreign policy handles not just a new state's

relations with others but also the actual domestic environment through that the actual policyemanates in the beginning instance. This creates the boundary issue with regard to this study aboutperspectives on Nigeria's foreign policy in the feeling that, there aren't any clear distinctions inbetween what is considered domestic and also what's considered international, because thedomestic policies as well as actions of a state could have far reaching implications internationally.take with regard to instance, the Babangida annulment of June 12 elections inside 1992 insideNigeria became such an international issue that certain could wonder whether there is anydividing line in between domestic and also international issues.

Also, the particular terrain being covered in this study and the character of the subject, foreignpolicy can be such which various states as well as government attach importance in order to it. Also,the sort regarding governmental system and level of development in addition colour its foreignpolicy. Along With to become able to adequately realize along with evaluate the foreign policyinvolving Nigeria, we also want full as well as detailed account regarding all the foreign policies ofother states with whom Nigeria interacts. This, we know, is clearly impossible, in the functionregarding this nature. Hence, the issue involving scope of the subject.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nigeria may be a new player inside international politics since 1960 and various governments havegot always attempted to outline what they consider to be your objectives of Nigeria's foreign policy.However, literature reveals that, there features not really been agreement as as in order to theconstitutes Nigeria drive throughout foreign policy. Hence, this perform rather tends for you toraise the fundamental question, what are already the actual drive and additionally theconcrete gains of Nigeria's foreign policy in between 1960 and 2007

FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY.

Foreign policy analysis features a large amount of fighting frameworks with each seeming beingsuperior in order to others. Though attempts have been produced to group them directly into broadclasses just like idealism, realism, classical, traditional as well as scientific amongst others, not onlydo variations exist among the particular classes however even inside them. the issue which thisposes for foreign policy analysis is the real fact that the actual framework adopted affects the focusin the study, your questions being requested as well as conclusions which would be reached. Hence,for your purpose regarding this study, there is no generally acceptable framework in which canalways be stated being flawless or perhaps that will escape criticism.

RESEARCH METHODS

This research can be planning to adopt a historical descriptive and systematic technique regardinganalysis. As it's been, we are heading to x-ray perspectives in Nigeria's foreign policy. This kind ofresearch will therefore, focus about the foreign policy of Nigeria under different regimes using aview in order to ascertain how she's got advanced the woman's foreign policy objectives.Throughout order words, exactly what the drive along with concrete gains associated withNigeria foreign policy were?

Hence, based around the aforementioned, materials with regard to this research will end up beingacquired via the actual secondary data collection method creating use of newspapers, magazines,journals as well as published functions of relevant agencies.

Equally important sources of knowledge consist of International electronic media (Internet) as well

as private observations and also experiences.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

We are now living in an interdependent globe exactly where zero nation is an island. Nations mustinteract using one another if they must survive. the essence of this interaction will be to becomecapable of derive from other nations those things that they want however which they can't createalso to furthermore dispose of those ideas they've inside abundance so as to become able to deriveresources they will used in investing in their particular needs. Additionally by interactions, nationsare able for you to maintain pleasant relations along with others, thus as to make the particularworld friendlier, safer and more conducive pertaining to human habitation and development.

Due to these over-riding causes of nations in order to relate along with others, most states nowpossess in place the dynamic technique of interaction between the changing domestic demandsalong with supply faced using the changing external circumstance. This kind of is precisely what isreferred in order to as foreign policy. According to Chandra (1982:16) foreign policy is definitely ancrucial key to the rational explanations of international behaviors. The idea isn't possibleto understand interstate relations without having comprehension of foreign polices of states.

Consequently, turning our research light upon Nigeria, a variety of regimes have attempted topursue the particular country's foreign policy beneath nearly the same objectives. Whilst the styletends to differ, thereby reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the president or Head associated with stateand the foreign minister, the particular substance provides remained basically the particular same.Available literature have got focused mainly about how dynamic, Nigeria's foreign policy continuesin order to be below numerous regimes. Though useful, we believe, it has not helped to always beable to assess the particular concrete gains involving Nigeria's foreign policy. An elegant book byAdebajo, Adekeye & Mustapha, Abdul Raufu (eds) (2008), insures an expansive thematic mosaic. Itssixteen chapters provide incisive analytical coverage, conceptual insights along withempirical richness, pointing for the factors and also imperatives which have shaped Nigeria'sforeign policy since the conclusion in the Cold War. that it succeeds so admirably can always be atribute towards the editors and also well-chosen authors. each chapter helps a person to imposeorder in this complex mosaic. Nigeria is certainly not any ordinary country: it really is Africa's themajority of populous and its third largest economy. Its polity experiences ongoing fragility and itsdemocratic base will be rather tenuous, but it workout routines tremendous power and influencethroughout its sub-region, throughout Africa as well as around the global stage. It is your sixthlargest oil exporter in the world, but your scourge of poverty and underdevelopment afflicts themajority of its 130 million people and additionally this continues to be exacerbated simply byperennial bad governance and debilitating corruption. Inside its 48 many many years ofindependence, the particular country has had a chequered political history, punctuated by sevenmilitary regimes and also failed attempts at forging a new calculus associated with democracy.The country's citizens get acquired the dubious reputation for ingenuity in creating niches insidethe global criminal underworld. Thus it truly is hardly surprising if, inside the words involving itsformer foreign minister Ibrahim Gambari, the country '...has teetered among confidenceand conflict, along with between exuberance along with exhaustion'.

This backdrop frames the historical and also contemporary concerns that have informed along withanimated Nigeria's carry out within African and also global affairs. Right now there is surely anoutstanding introduction simply by Adekeye Adebajo. His teasing polemic sets the normative moodfor that book: 'Over its nearly 50 many many years of independence, Nigeria has been reduced to agiant with clay feet'. How the particular giant has performed will be defined throughthree concentric circles which also provide the book's explanatory and organisational framework:

the domestic, regional, as well as external. Throughout the domestic context, 5 chapters presentvarious size of Nigerian politics that will happen in order to be consequential pertaining to itsforeign policy conduct. Abdul Raufu Mustapha's chapter examines how a country's 'fractured'nationhood, its social cleavages and troubled identity have negatively shaped and influenced itsforeign relations. This is nicely complemented through Ibrahim Gambari's reflective chapter onsignificant historical turning factors inside Nigeria's domestic politics and your evolution regardingtheory and use within its foreign policy. The other chapters are generally equally instructivethroughout chronicling the particular politics of the foreign service and also the generating with theNigerian diplomat inside a country with more than 250 ethnic groups; the particular interfacebetween safety prerogatives and foreign policy, specially the prominent role in the military and theemergence of ethnic militias; and also the strategies by which oil prosperity has created pathologiesinvolving inequality, exploitation as well as repression that bring Shell along with political elites into direct confrontation using restive minorities with the Niger Delta. Your study, therefore, beamssearch light on Nigeria's foreign policy. The Particular major plank with regard to this tendstowards a procedural evaluation associated with perspectives in Nigeria's foreign policy, manyparticularly anchored about regimes in Nigeria having a view to ascertain levels of changes andcontinuities. in the final analysis, discern your concrete gains regarding evolving Nigeria's foreignpolicy, if any at all.

DOMESTIC IMPERATIVES OF NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES.

Nigeria's attainment regarding independence inside 1960 posited the woman's as an independentstate which had the girl status for you to get into foreign relations with any additional state. Ogwu(2003:34) composing about new horizons for Nigeria's Foreign Policy asserts the domesticrealm encompasses the planet and its array of actions, factors: variables and forces which areoutside involving the mind in the choices maker(s) nevertheless are within the particular territorialbonds of a nation state. the external realm is the international system straight into which foreignpolicy is directed, as well as it is significantly unpredictable. Within the identical direction, scholarshave got so much not really varied within definitions of foreign policy. Ogwu (1983:16-17)and Fawole (2001) most alluded to the undeniable fact that foreign policy is actually sets of politicalobjectives outlining how a nation will interact along with other countries inside the globe and alsoto a lesser extent, non state actors. The goals involving foreign policy, usually while they point out,will always be to protect a country's national interest, national security, ideological goals andeconomic prosperity. Northedge (1968:15) along with Ogwu (2002) nonetheless as noted earliernotes in which Nigeria's foreign policy like any other state policy is actually derivative of the itemregarding environmental factors-both internal along with external to be able to it.

This views from the aforementioned scholars elucidates the unavoidable interrelatedness along withinterdependence of states as it reaffirms the particular have to articulate the actual states externalrelations objectives, prioritizing them, or even within hierarchal order having a view to pursue,protect along with project the united states inside the comity of nations.

Interestingly the Constitution in the Federal Republic regarding Nigeria (1999) inside section 19provides the particular fundamental objective of Nigeria's foreign policy as follows:

a. promotion and protection in the national interest.

b. Marketing involving African integration and also assistance with regard to African unity

c. Marketing regarding international co-operation with regard to consolidation of universal peaceand also mutual respect among nations and elimination of discrimination in most ramifications.

d. Respect with regard to international law along with treaty organization as well as the seekingregarding settlement involving international dispute; negotiation, mediation, conciliation,arbitration and also adjudication as well as marketing of just world order.

Bearing at heart which the next routine in order to section four associated with the constitutionareas foreign policy institutions such as diplomatic, consular and trade representations too asexternal affairs on the exclusive legislative list, the particular question, we then ask is, exactly whatare the strategic instruments regarding realizing these foreign policy objectives. However, itfollows, that the foregoing outlay of Nigeria's foreign policy objectives as well as explanationsaforementioned, makes 1 believe that a realistic foreign policy regarding Nigeria, particularly interms of the girl foreign policy objective associated with marketing national interest should beanchored on efforts as well as activities that will enhance, protect, project your exnational interest.

Thus, within your purview involving the aforementioned postulation, we argue that the foremosteconomic objective of Nigeria should be to feed her population and supply other simple necessitiesregarding life for example shelter, affordable medicine, quality education, clean water, not of courseneglecting sustainable peace inside the country. This is because he which fights outside with widestatus outside without harmony at home is not but safe.

PERSPECTIVES ON NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY 19602007

This study, as envisioned inside delineation of aims and also objectives of our research essentiallywill be targeted at elucidating the actual perspectives in the entire Nigeria's foreign policy creatingand also implementation machinery and processes. This may be having a view for you to talk aboutchanges and also continuities on the cornerstone associated with lessons learnt along withconclusion drawn.

The significance lies on its concentrate on the way the nation's foreign policy below distinct regimesprovides advanced the girl interest. Whilst this approach served as being a pathfinder, that will is,providing any coherent view of where Nigeria had been inside the past and exactly where it truly istoday, the study serves to explore where Nigeria is actually heading, explicating advertising apicture of shifts, turns as well as twists in Nigeria's foreign policy.

Furthermore, forecasting or predicting the future typically involves some measure of credibility andalso to become able to be credible, the particular shape of the future features being constant withjust about all the feasibility associated with proposed goals and your capability associated with thecountry to ascertain individuals goals. Stenelo (1980:1) drew the import regarding theaforementioned assertion arguing that within the area of foreign policy, futurology may becharacterized by predictions and forecasting. He reasoned that choice makers typically diagnosecurrent events along with problems by simply way of historical analogies in the belief that the formof the future is not more likely to vary considerably. Whilst this method may well not get rid of mis-perception of your difficulty entirely, it does serve for you to ensure continuity inside a nation'sforeign policy. Because Stenelo pointed out:

A foreign policy heritage is actually usually throughout itself potentially a stabilizing elementovertime. certain elements of its content may conceivably be accepted without objection. VariousOther parts are perhaps unwillingly accepted by the recipient as they lack the possibilities ofrepudiating these as well as because the political expenses regarding such repudiation are assessedas being far too great

Stenelo's Central thesis argues in which importance of analogues to predictions. This kind ofsubsequently factors us in order to our aim in this study. In writing about perspectives concerningNigeria's foreign policy, it is similar to currently talking about its past. This involves its basic stylesas they unfolded since independence. The quantity of analyses regarding long term studiesas Frankel (1967:398) in addition observed, alluded for the significance of using historicalperspectives (the past) within exploring the actual future. He argues that nonetheless imprecise,predictions possess a bearing upon real policy. this research therefore, historically inquires intowith regards to forty-seven years of Nigeria's external relations for you to decide perspectiveand factors which are transient and those which are enduring on the schedule of lessons learntalong with conclusions drawn.

ALHAJI, TAFAWA BELEWA'S FOREIGN POLICY (19601966)

Though Nigeria was granted the particular authority over foreign policy matters within 1954 simplyby Britain, it absolutely was inside 1957 which Nigeria's started exercising this restricted authority.This was the actual year, whenever a Nigerian, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, ended up beingappointed the Nation's Very first Prime Minister. That ended up being also in which 12 months theExternal Affairs Department was transferred to the Prime Minister's office from your office ofthe Chief Secretary where it hitherto existed. in 1960, the department was elevated to be able to acomplete ministry associated with Foreign Affairs as well as Commonwealth Relations, howeverAluko (1981:24) observes that:

It was no much more than any mere administrative machinery pertaining to Sir, Abubakar, assistedsimply by his British secretary to the cabinet Mr. Peter Stalland, retained his autocratic control ofthe actual country's external relations. from independence until 1961 when Mr. Jaja Wachkwuwas appointed foreign secretary. Similarly, between December 1964 along with 15 January 1966,when his government was overthrown inside a coup d'etat he had been his non foreign minister.Even during the brief time period when Sir Abubakar retained Jaja Wachukwu as his foreignminister, his near dictatorial control of the country's external policy has been never seriouslychallenged. Within actual fact, Mr Jaja Wachukwu confessed to parliament inside 1962 in whichchoices on some essential international matter were left by the cabinet for the Prime minister.

Aluko observation over restates gross deficiencies which characterized your foreign ministry belowBelewa. in a new seeming collaboration involving Aluko's view above, Ofoegbu (1990:19)observed that:

When finally the ministry was created, the confusion as well as muddle noticeable between 1954 aswell as 1960 are not removed. The Actual Prime Minister who has been additionally the initialforeign minister (1st October 1960 in order to 17th July 1961) had been unable, simply becauseinvolving his a great many other responsibilities to dedicate significantly time and effort for you toforeign affairs. He set up Nigeria's diplomatic missions abroad. Well-balanced representations inbetween Europe as well as Africa, and accelerated the particular recruitment regarding ExternalAffairs and also Commonwealth Relations suffered neglect, shortage of trained along withunsatisfactory internal administration organizations.

Apart through dominating the actual foreign policy creating apparatus, Balewa was incrediblyprotective of his foreign policy beliefs he never felt comfortable allowing members with theResidence associated with Representatives (Where he ended up being primes inter pares) in orderto bring about decisions because regard (Fawole: 2003) cited a case each period a member of youropposition in the Federal Residence associated with Representatives, Hon. Anthony Enahorosuggested in which an All-party committee always be setup to look to the issue associated with

foreign policy. Balewa replied.

It was a excellent suggestion yet I do not think that's practicable, because following all, this couldbe the particular Home of Representatives exactly where we have the government and also theopposition, and the foreign policy associated with government is for that government with the day.(Fawole: Op. Cit)

Tafawa Belewa's perspective in Nigeria's foreign policy was not really problematic. Thus, hereasoned:

So way I have concentrated on the problems involving Africa. Please do not think which we'recertainly not interested in the problems of the remainder associated with the world, we have gotbeen intensively interested included as well as hope being permitted to assist in discoveringremedies to become able to them, through this organizations, but being human we're by naturalmeans involved initial along with what affects our immediate neighborhood.

(Balewa's Speech at the UN October 8, 1960)

Despite his avowed policy associated with non-alignment which usually he interpreted to meanthat:

Nigeria shall not really blindly keep to end up being able to the lead regarding anyone. Consequentlyfar as it is possible, your policy upon each and every event will most likely be selected having aproper independent objectivity within Nigeria's interest. Nigeria will not associate itself asbecoming a few routine together with any of the actual power blocks. (Ofoegbu: Op.Cit)

He had been rabidly, pro-west as well as based on Schwarz (1968) had a frank distaste for nonalignment. Whilst Balewa maintained really warm relations using Britain and America, he has beenopenly hostile for the Eastern bloc particularly the Soviet Union, the particular leader of the block.That was even suggested that he believed out of his religious conviction that communication usingthem was evil, hence his apathy in direction of them.

Nevertheless, the actual trends in which developed since independence throughout 1960 to theparticular present emanated from the simple formulations in the principles and goals of the Balewaera. in flip the essential objective involving each successive administration happen for you to beessentially tempered as well as guided through the national interest. What these interest were andjust how they were pursued for you to fulfill your aspiration in the Nigerian state to satisfythe challenges of the dynamic global system will carry on to be our analysis focus.

YAKUBU GOWON FOREIGN POLICY (1966-1975).

There was obviously a breach inside Nigeria's foreign policy making, in 1966. General Aguiyi Ironsibecame Head of State after having a coup led by Major Nzeogwu. the government ended up beingthought to happen in order to be about rescue mission for you to deliver the united states back inorder to political stability following the numerous crises in which rocked the first republic.

This study believes the national interest or target of succession administration can be gleaned fromyour doctrines; these people tried to enunciate, specifically from main policy pronouncement. Thus,Ironsi defined his foreign policy perspective (Maiden broadcast associated with 16th January,1966).

The federal military government announces in connection along with the external affairs with thecountry, which it is your ex intention to honour all treaty obligations and all monetary agreementsalong with obligations entered into from the previous government.

The government subsequent response, confirms this position. Ironsi's attitude towards apartied andwhite supremacist regimes was remarkably various coming from Balewa's such that white Balewaallowed while South Africa entry directly into Nigeria, despite O. A. U. resolutions against suchIronsi declared all of them as well as Portuguese prohibited immigrants. He went further for you toban Portuguese ships and aircrafts form entering Nigerian ports and also air fields because of itssettler colonialism. He was however killed in the coup about 29 July, 1966. Yakubu Gowon took overamidst serious tension along with political crises. The idea has been from the timeBiafran secession ended up being in by simply 30 May, 1967. about six July, 1967 your federalgovernment declared war in Biafra so as for you to bring them back in order to Nigeria. The ideawas then undoubtedly that the Nigeria's foreign policy inside this period would are already wardiplomacy as well as hence wouldn't possess time along with energy to embark on a remarkableforeign policy. Ajigbola (1978:42-57) notes in which the government's foreign policy within this timeperiod was very first geared towards countering Biafran propaganda, stopping various othercountries from recognizing Biafra, struggling in your direction of your non-internationalizinginvolving the conflict, thus creating the world believe, it had been purely Nigeria's internal affairs,which it could and has been handing on its and also getting the particular required arms for you toprosecute the particular war last although not least dissuading Nigeria's neighbors throughpermitting his or her territories to be used for arms provides to become able to Biafra so as to beatthe Federal government blockade of secessionists.

MURTALA/OBASANJO FOREIGN POLICY (1975-1979)

The period of time associated with Murtala-Obasanjo regime could be described as a period thathad a change in paradigm, a time period referred in order to as diplomatic soldering. The methodNigeria handled your crises within Angola projected your ex straight into global relevance. Angolaas Sotunbi (1990:7-12) noted, was obviously a Portuguese colony. Her nationalists were establishedto end up being able to cause Portuguese to grant them independence. These types of majormovements had been involved inside the struggle. They were your MPLA, FNLA, and also UNITA.while every claimed to have my site more popularity compared to other, there possess beendifferences upon ethnic, religion, ideological along with personality grounds.

Much more, although involved throughout leaving capacity to Angola, there is a military coup withinPortugal and the new regime had been bent in granting independence to be able to Angola.Nevertheless it was apparent which with almost all the hostile scenario there had been clearly likelynot necessarily likely to be an orderly transfer regarding power.

The organization of African Unity recognizing this scenario and it's conflict prospective favoured anew government regarding national unity in the country, comprising the actual 3 significantliberation movements.

Oyediran (1978:14-15) notes which it absolutely was the aforementioned stand of the OAU summitin Kampala Uganda within July 1975, that Gowon had been attending, when his government in theactual home was toppled. Infact, throughout may 1975 preceding the OAU summit. Gowon featuresinside recognition of your "provisional government regarding Angola" from the OAU created to thethree movements that:

We within Nigeria rejoice with you upon this happy event along with salute your wisdom,

patriotism, statesmanship along with realism throughout reaching agreement for the particulartypical good of one's fatherland. the event you may be celebrating today is actually involvingfantastic significance not just to the Angola individuals who have sacrifice a great deal but also toAfrica as well as indeed just about all lovers regarding freedom and justice as well as human dignitythrough, out the actual world.

It has been in this ground, Murtala regime took over from your Angolan crisis Fawole (2003).Throughout this direction he notes which Murtala had described a letter that America's presidentFord had created to most African leaders in the eve associated with an OAU's Added ordinarymeeting held inside Addis Ababa throughout January 1976 like a the majority of intolerablepresumption and the flagrant insult around the indulgence regarding African rulers.

Unfortunately regrettably, Joe Garba who had been in the centre stage at Nigeria's external affairscommissioner then observes that will despite all Nigeria does pertaining to Angola Nigeria's namewas conspicuously absent from this list regarding countries which Angola paid out tribute forassisting them in his or her independence struggle within their very first appearance in theOAU summit in Mauritania in July 1976. to end up being able to cap it all, right after Murtaladeath, it took Angola the whole of three weeks to convey their own condolence over the deathinvolving their benefactors. When eventually an email along with arrive from Angola, only its 1stthree sentences produced any kind of reference to our tragic loss. Garba (1991:12)

Despite Angolan crises experience, Nigeria ended up being unwavering inside ending South AfricanApartheid and within addition in Bodesian-Zimbabwe crises. Throughout May 1978, your Nigeriangovernment under his leadership (arrested the particular S.K Kuku, a new tanker owned throughthe South African maritime CO-operation of cape town, yet flying the particular flag in the PanamaRepublic, which in turn ended up being in charter to British petroleum (Bp) to lift crude oil viaBonny oil terminal to Holland, after the arrest government, determined against promotingthe 1,616,636 barrels involving oil inside the tanker in order to Bp and throughout addition chose toreduce to of a third Bp's take involving Nigerian crude together with impact via 1st August 1979.the government in addition inside might 1979 barred British firms from tendering for contractsinside Nigeria. The Particular British government clarified its position on Zimbabwe. Aluko(1990:112-123).

Also within this period, Nigeria's relationship together with great powers was non alignment. TheLady failed to discriminate contrary for you to the eastern block, neither does the girl treat theWestern powers as afraid cows or demi-gods that will not be offended. In the actual Angolan crises,Nigeria was stern. This ended up being obvious as shown inside Nigeria reaction to a letter writtensimply by USA President Gerald Ford within 1976 in order to many African leaders.

Joe Garba said thus:

It's tone ended up being patronizing, its theme anti-soviet, it disclaimed virtually any knowledgeregarding or perhaps duty for South-Africa's actions as well as urges an additional round ofnegotiations among the Angolan groups. It concluded simply by saying, we can't nonetheless standidly by, if the soviet along with Cuban intervention persist and also hoped to continue toexchange views on this

Same day, Murtala Muhammed is actually noted to have issued the press release in reaction to theletter issue which it labeled gross insult and according to Garba (1991) throughout sum telling theparticular American's to become able to go to hell. Nigeria's relation using Britain, from yourinception of the Obasanjo regime took a dive downwards. Your issue started form Nigeria's

accusation associated with British complicity inside the attempted coup which expense the worldthe woman's the majority of cherished Head involving State. This specific suspicion was since on the13th of February 1976, your abortive coup leader Suka Buka Dimka instantly after assassinatingMurtala Muhammed visited the British Higher Commission inside Lagos, ostensibly to obtain hold ofGowon, who was in exile in London. A Few angry students and youths, which feltextremely aggrieved at the death associated with Muhammed and the alleged involvementof Britain as well as America within the failed coup descended upon their own embassy's andcaused a few damages prior to these folks were dispersed by the police.

Britain-Nigeria relationship continued throughout hostility as getting a prelude to the damage inBritain embassy, the actual then British high Commissioner in Nigeria, Sir Martin, shown a verbalnote whose content material stated that:

The high Commission cannot however express its extreme surprise and disappointment at thefailure in the Nigeria's government to effectively protect its creating and also property certainly notwithstanding that will it had ample warning that they were likely to become topic into a threatof damage and never withstanding which the us government clearly had your means available foryou to afford sufficient protection been there wished to make use of these people in thesecircumstance, your Higher commission formally last although not least reserve the right involvingyour ex majesty's government in order to claim total compensation for the damage suffered

The Nigeria's external affairs commissioner ended up being highly amazed at Sir Matinsinsensitivity towards the timing along with language associated with his complaint. He subsequentlygave him a solid verbal attack and ordered him out of his office. the next day, he requestedpertaining to Sir Martin's recall by the British government which usually that they right away did.

Further deterioration inside Britain-Nigeria relations adopted the trial regarding Gowon withinNigeria, subsequent his implications simply by perpetrators of the coup. Your British refusal hadbeen hinged around the argument which Nigeria had no extradition treaty along with Britain andthat within the prevailing circumstance there is absolutely no guarantee which Gowon might havereceived a fair trail. Nigeria was angered by this and broke diplomatic relations with Britain. Justwhat would nevertheless end up being describe since the height of Nigeria's thawed relations alongwith Britain during this era had been the nationalist in the British petroleum (Bp) which in turn yourGuardian of London described as crude bullying'. That will be about record that Obasanjonever visited Britain all through his regime and also discouraged his officials form performing so,except when absolutely necessary.

SHEHU SHAGARI FOREIGN POLICY (1979-1985)

Shagari in his initial foreign policy speech to a joint session of the national Assembly inside March1980, asserts: Africa remains the cornerstone of the Nigeria's foreign policy. My administrationis committed towards the brings about of the total liberation regarding Africa as the absolution ofracism in every its ramifications. We shall neither relax nor relent until just about all Africans andall black men are generally free.

Our study in Shagari's African policy will be discussed on two strands. Incidentally, his handlingassociated with events could probably be said to contradictory. Although one exhibits he's friendly,a sort hearted African leader, one other shows him as harsh inconsiderate and inhuman leader whonever likes you various other Africans. Your main events in which reflect our point over would endup being the Nigeria-Cameroon boarders crises involving 1981 and expulsion involving illegal alienthroughout 1983.

Despite your undeniable fact that your dominant mood (public opinion) throughout the country hasbeen that Nigeria ought to employ the military option against Cameroon, the government even nowadopted any diplomatic option leading to a relaxing resolution with the conflict by the finishassociated with 1981, with payment in the reparations in order to bereaved families.

On 17 January, 1983, Nigeria Minister associated with Internal Affairs, Alhaji Ali baba, announcedexpulsion associated with illegal aliens. This was obviously a outcome of stabilization regardingeconomy, reduction involving crime price regarding which usually aliens were accused of and thewave associated with violent religious disturbance in many northern cities where many aliensparticipated particularly Muslim families from neighboring countries (Aluko 1990:117).

The international neighborhood reaction for the expulsion ended up getting to say the leastdeafening along with unimaginable. The Particular state department inside Washington saw theactual selection as shocking and represented the violation involving every imaginable human right.Pope John Paul II cited it as a frame, incredible drama and also described it as producing yourlargest easy and worst human exodus in this century. The Actual opposition leader inside theBritish house regarding Commons inside his letter to the Nigerian Substantial Commission withinLondon described an order along with its implementation as a new possible act regardingheartlessness and any fanfare failure involving common humanity. Amongst Nigeria'sneighbors Ghana which had about one Million in the expelled aliens reacted most angrily, Fright Lt.Rowlings, the Ghanaians, head of state mentioned the order was a calculated plot attempt againsthis government. Other presidents ECOWAS nations denounced an order along with mandated theparticular then chairman regarding ECOWAS, Mathieu Kerekou associated with Benin republic inorder to visit Nigeria and talk about the particular issue with Nigeria's government. His visit donot make Nigeria change its mind on the order. Rather the communique issued at the conclusionwith the meetings stated that each Kerekon and also Shagari felt the order would not affect thecreation of ECOWAS. However, (Aluko 1990) believes that will certainly 1 of your ironies associatedwith the us government order was the weakening associated with ECOWAS.

Interestingly these negative remarks regarding your order did not affect her perception. Internally,the leaders and also the press noticed the action as justified since it had been inside Nigeria'snational interest since it does not brake any kind of recognized international law as well as treaty.Subsequent the particular barrage of critics in the international neighborhood about Nigeria action,the government is actually recorded to have, fall to become along with her hand stance.It presented a cheque of just one million us dollars for you to ECOWAS states affected whiledelegations had been sent to numerous African countries to always be able to explain to theirgovernments the reason why powering the action.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI FOREIGN POLICY (1983-1985)

In his maiden broadcast towards the nation as Head involving State. General Buhari lamented theparticular amount of decay inside the society and Nigeria's economy. According to him:

It holds true which there will be a world wide economic recession. However in the truth involvingNigeria, its impact was aggravated simply by mismanagement. We believe in which suitablegovernment departments gave advice but their advise has been disregarded from the leadership.the scenario might have been saved if the legislators had been alive with theirconstitutional responsibilities. Rather the particular legislators had been pre-occupiedwith determining their own salary scales fringe advantages along with unnecessary foreign travels

etc with out getting no account of the state of the economy and the welfare of the people thesepeople represent. While a new outcome of our inability to cultivate monetary discipline along withprudent management with the economy, we possess come to depend mainly upon internal as well asexternal borrowing to execute government tasks with attendant domestic pressures and soaringintended debts.

As the fact, as from some time Shagari's government ended up being sacked, It was negotiating fora 2.5 Billion money loan, facility from the IMF. Olukoshi (1990:39-52). Within April 1982, the usgovernment withdrew N314 million as well as 170 million within special drawing legal rights(SDRS) through its reserves using the IMF.

Despite this withdrawal, by October 1982, the country has been three months inside arrears inenvironment its routine trade debts throughout foreign exchange.

Some of the major element actors, that escaped form the united states located their ways directlyinto UK where these were granted political asylum. The Particular Dikko affair became a concern onthis guide. Alhaji Dikko Umaru was transport minister under Shagari and was in exile in London,has been kidnapped with London, drugged and put in a crate, which has been slated regardingdelivery for you to the external affairs ministry in Lagos by way of a new Nigeria Airways, BoeingCargo Plane at the Stansted Airport outside London, fortunately for Diko, the police has beenalerted about the kidnap and also it was discovered in the Airport and he had been freed, thusescaping this abduction for you to Lagos. the British government arrested Nigeria's officials and thecouple Israeli's involved inside the foiled attempts and also detained Nigeria cargo panel.Though Nigeria vehemently denied her involvement, Britain had not been convinced, neither hasbeen the entire world stunned from the sordid affair.The British government, subsequentlyannounced your suspension from Britain, the actual two Nigeria diplomats within Britain PeterOyedele (Counselor) as well as Edet Okon for what they considered acts incompatible using theirstatus as diplomats.

In retaliation, the Nigeria's government instantly expelled two British diplomats through Nigeria,John Harrison (Head of Consul) and Steward Evans (attache). It equally recalled its high-commissioner in London. major General Halidu Hanamya regarding consultation as well asrequested the British government to accomplish the same to Sir Hamiton Whyte, itsHigh Commissioner within Lagos. Certainly Not yet done, the Buhari government surfedand detained briefly, a new British Caledonian Jet upon route London using 221 passengers andalso 22 crew members. those passengers had been treated as 'quest' of the Nigeria's governmentfor 15 hours, under armed guards nevertheless had been treated together with utmost courtesyFawole (2003:18-19). Thus began, yet again a new serous down-turn within Nigeria-Britishrelations that marked the actual Mutala-Obasanjo Regime, whose off shoot, the Buhari governmentclaimed to be.

The Buhari regime's major pre-occupant together with reviewing the nation's battered economypushed her in to using a quantity of foreign policy measures that affected Nigeria's immediateneighbours and as such cause them for you to become see the era, as any possible inglorious one.three of such measure which throughout fact had the highest impact were closure regardingNigeria's boarders. The Particular expulsion regarding illegal aliens and also sudden changesassociated with the national currency.

Though Buhari image inside he West African sub-region had not been too wonderful creditedtowards the aforementioned policies his resolve for Africa was in absolutely no way throughoutdoubt. The Actual major issue exactly where Buhari's assertiveness helps to end up being able to

assert Nigeria leadership role throughout Africa ended up being your issue of Sahararn ArabDemocratic Republic (SADR). Morocco offers since the 1970's occupied the particular territorysince the Spanish left the united states on the pretest, it had been Moroccan territory. Nigeriaannounced its recognition regarding SADR in Nov. 11, 1984 in the 20th OAU summit withinAddis Abacha. This kind of action which created the SADR to be permitted to adopt its seat, made,Morocco in order to stage a walkout in protest. It equally ended the OAU's vacillation about theissue.

The recognition in the SADR would always be a shut resemblance in order to Lintala recognitionwith the MPLA inside 1976 which in turn equally produced the particular AU for you toaccord recognition to the MPLA government within Angola.

IBRAHIM BABANGIDA FOREIGN POLICY 1985-1993

General Ibrahim Babangida stumbled on energy on 27th August 1985. He criticized Buhari forowning an incoherent foreign policy. According to him:

On foreign policy Nigeria inside the last twenty months provides been characterized by simplyinconsistency and incoherence. That features lacked the clarity to produce us recognize exactlywhere we stood upon matters regarding international concern for you to enable additional countriesrelate to us using seriousness. Our role as African's spokesman features diminished simply becausewe now have been unable for you to maintain the respect involving African countries.. Your oustmilitary government conducted our external relations with a policy involving retaliation, reaction. ALot More so, vindictive thought most not become the basis of our diplomatic Africa's issue as well astheir options should constitute the premise of our foreign policy ... we hereby make a renewedrequest to your non-align movement to regrouped along with re-immigrate its determination tobecome able to restructure the actual global economic system.

Further highlights about Babangida foreign policy has been the particular initiative by Prof. Bolaji,Akinyemi's upon technical Aid Corps Scheme (TACS). Through that Nigeria sends some of thewoman's younger experts like Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Pharmacist etc to end up being able tonew African countries for a two yr period, which could be renewed if requested by simply benefitingstates. This underscores the important brother role involving Nigeria within African. Hewas elected OAU chairman in 1991, the total eradication regarding colonialism in Africa and theeradication associated with Apatheid inside South Africa received serious attention.

However, throughout pursuing its foreign policy goals Babangida forgot that the actual strength ofthe nation do certainly not result of their own visibility inside the international scene neverthelessrather in the socio-economic status of that nation. Since Atte (1990:22-27) quite appropriately state,domestic economic imperatives are usually the majority of essential determinants associated withnational curiosity and therefore, regarding foreign policy priorities pursing the flamboyantforeign policy in which entails waisting your nations scares resources, without commensuratereturns or even within expectation associated with returns is actually just not logical.

When Babangida ended up being busy, engaging within his apply diplomacy, Nigerians weregroaning under the actual powers of the IMF world bank sponsored SAP that clearly lacked humanface. perhaps one lesson to discover out should be that greatness of a nation is not conferred toalways be together with her simply by your ex capability to manage both the girl human as well asnational resources well, because involving it will be development that conferrers' greatness ratherthan international visibility. Babangida did not understand this and compensated dearly with regardto it, when he annulled the June 12, 1993 elections and his awesome Western buddies whom he

tried a lot for you to please, even for the detriment associated with Nigeria showed him that Nigeriaended up being never really a fantastic nation along with he was actually dispensable. Hewas disgraced out in the office by domestic as well as international pressures leaving at your rearof a lame-duck interim national government (ING) and a body shaken, disunited resistive and alsoimpoverished nation right after eight years of deceit, enormous corruption and also misplacedpriorities.

SANI ABACHA FOREIGN POLICY (1993-1998)

General Abacha became Nigeria's Head regarding State upon Nov. 17, 1993 after sacking the actualChief Earnest Shonekan led interim National Government 82 days right after it was installed. Unlikeother people His maiden address had warning for the international community. According to him:

For the international community, we ask which you suspend judgment while we grapple withsignificant job regarding nation building, reconciliation and repairs. This government can always bea little one of necessity using a strong determination to carry back peace and also stability for youto our country as well as on those foundations, enthroned any lasting as well as timed democracy.Give us the actual chance to solve our problems within our very own way

X-raying the last sentence of the speech clearly shows the actual mindset of the Head in the Juntaand why, it perceived any reaction involving the international neighborhood as meddling in tointernal Affairs regarding the country.

General Abacha, required to become left by yourself to run Nigeria according to his whims, but theinter-dependent realm of his time, produced that impossible consequently nearly all of his actionswhich usually clearly ended up being Nigeria's internal market, drew reactions in the internationalcommunity. His foreign policy was based in favour of Africa. He had been Nigeria's Defenseminister when ECOMOG was set up; hence he sustained it, until elections were conducted insideLiberia in 1997, which in turn found the same Charles Taylor that will began the particular crisesemerging because the president. Together With Taylor as Liberia president and his certainly notbeen disposed to the forced continued stay in Liberia as initially agreed, the ECOMOG adventure inthe country ended. Abacha, employed ECOMOG to restore the Siera Leonian,democratically elected government involving Ahmed Tejan Kabba who was simply overthrownsimply by Major Johnny Koroma. This particular motion however together with applause from theinternational community, a foreign media described Nigeria as getting a country that willimports what it's got within excessive and also exports what it really lacks (Tempo:1995).

Another issue inside Abacha's regime disposition that will in addition affects Nigeria foreign policyis the visit involving Col. Ghadafi, who was facing UN sanctions throughout Nigeria by air. the visitangered the particular international community since it was in defiance to end up being able to UNSafety Council resolution. Outside Africa, the actual regime fraternized along with despotic rulersthroughout Irag, Iran, as well as North Korea etc. in the wedding you criticize at home, you are

either arrested, imprisoned, or assassinated. Foreign nations that condemned genuine polices werejust avoided. Apart form this paranoid nature, the worst thing which happened for you to Nigeria'sforeign policy had been the person associated with Chief Tomi Kemi. He ended up being Abacha'sforeign minister after Babagana Kingibe has been re-assigned to internal affairs. He has beenvery undiplomatic. He delighted in generating use of foul language; he never understood that herequired to create buddies regarding Nigeria rather than enemies.

Nigeria relations using the west had been previously in its lowest ebb during Abacha regime.Together With your annulment involving June 12 by his predecessor, in March 1995, the usgovernment announced that will it's uncovered a coup plot against it. Most accused amongst whomwere General Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Musa Yara Adua, journalist Mrs. Chris Anyanwu,Kunle Ajibaje as well as Ben Clause, senior members involving human correct community, Dr. BekoRansom Kuti had been convicted by the major General Patrick Aziza led military tribunal as well assentenced for you to death except General Olusegun Obasanjo which was handed twenty five yearsjail term. Though Abacha later committed the death term for you to jail terms, as well as reducedObasanjo's 25 years term for you to 15 years because of to international pressures about him, theactual anger against him was already with boiling point nevertheless he in no way cared.

The hanging in November 10, 1995 regarding Ken Saro Wiwa and also eight of his Ogoni Kinsmenwas a obvious signal to just about all or perhaps any in regards to become able to the murderousbent involving the regime. Incidentally the actual commonwealth summit has been holding at thesame time inside Auckland, new Zealand as well as Nigeria's foreign minister Tom Ikimi was inattendance. He was chased out with the summit as well as Nigeria was suspended from thephysique with regard to 2 yrs at first instance, pending the determination of further sanctions aboutthe country. the reaction involving the international community ended up being furthermoreprompt. They Will threatened in order to recall ambassadors, a symbolic act associated withdemonstrating displeasure and imposition of visa and journey restrictions about military personneland government officials Fawole: 2005).

Chief ikimi and his boss Abacha also launched verbal attacks on both Nelson Mandela and thecommonwealth. Abacha ended up being quoted by simply a newspaper (Tempo 7, December 1995)as stating that I don't blame Mandela because having expended 27 years in detention he featureslost touch with global socio-political trend inside the world. while Ikime stated that:

We in Nigeria's have got held President Nelson Mandela within High esteem. Nevertheless, ourencounter as being a individuals and a nation inside world affairs lets us know that the successionassociated with struggle with regard to liberation will not automatically endow a brand name newcomer for the international arena with almost all of the nuances to execute creditably. Along Withalso, whoever gave the particular South African President the song sheet in order to read featuresnot completed him honour (Fawole:2003).

He also castigated the actual Commonwealth thus:

You should be aware of that the Commonwealth truly is actually not truly a serious organization.That They have got carried out nothing for Nigeria. they get only come out together withdeclaration or statements which they will can not carry out (Fawole ot cit).

Nigeria indeed became such pariah which even world football governing body, FIFA stripped thewoman's associated with the best in order to host your 1995 edition of globe youth soccerchampionship.

Meanwhile, the us government been in December 1997, uncovered another coup plot simply bysenior military officers led by Abacha's deputy Lt General Oladipo Diya, just just just like the initialplot throughout 1991, a few persons were furthermore involved which are civilians. They Will hadbeen tried, convicted but not executed just before Abacha died suddenly on June 8, 1998. Thisbrought to an inglorious end, your rule regarding Abacha. It equally marked the conclusion of anera, when Nigeria moved from the leader associated with Africa in order to pariah state. It ended anera involving Region boy, diplomacy.

ABDULSALAM ABUBAKAR FOREIGN POLICY 1998-1999

Following Abacha's death, with what is called coup from heaven. General Abubakar who had beenChief of Staff as well as third within hierarchy took over. Abdulsalam Abubakar took a amount ofsteps to break Nigeria's diplomatic isolation's. His very first move to an extent dispersed fears. Helaunched most of the particular political detainees along with these convicted on trumped upcharges of involvement as zero charges will be pressed against them. Obsanjo has been granted selfpardon. He dismantled Abacha's transition programme that will produced the 5 political parties inwhich unanimously adopted Abacha as his or perhaps her sole presidential candidate. TheParticular late Bola Ige labeled these people the actual 5 fingers of the leprous hand. Abachaintroduced a very brief transition programme, established the Impartial National ElectoralCommission, which usually he promised would be completely independent. quite unlike Abachawhich was holed up inside the presidential villa, Aso Rock, he embarked on the diplomatic shuttleto major world capitalist for you to persuade globe leaders involving his sincerity. He was wellreceived. It is actually apt to point out out here, that the very first major step Abdulsalm took inputting Nigeria's Foreign policy upon sound footing has been appointment regarding AmbassadorIgnatius Olisamaka as foreign Affairs minister whose design as a renowned diplomat ended up beingin a new position within a short time period to become able to bounce Nigeria again on the planetstage.

One main problem had been how to handle Abiola who was still within prison. Government invitedCommonwealth secretary General Emeka Anyaoku, a Nigeria, the actual UN secretary, Kofi Annanand several additional top international diplomat to speak to Abiola on the have to renounce hismandate in view of prevailing circumstances. Abiola flatly refused. It had been on a new singleof such visists from the American delegation led by the US under secretary of state regardingAfrican, Susan Rice. Ambassador to Nigeria, Willaim Waddle that Abiola, died, in July 1998, barelymonths following Abacha's death. The Actual political atmosphere inside the nation has beencharged again, especially in the southwest which in turn ended up being Abiola's houseground. Elections were conducted later and in which he handed to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo uponMay, 1999.

3.1 OLUSEGUN OBASANJO FOREIGN POLICY 1998-2007

(Fawole: 2000) examined Nigeria's foreign policy under democratic rule and furthermore thecountry's return to put associated with prestige buoyed by simply Obasanjo's considerable expertiseyet beneath an altered democratic, regional along with global terrain. He gave an accountassociated with the combination of domestic and also external circumstances such as the personalidiosyncrasies of former military rulers as what drove the country to pariah status in the comityassociated with nations. He noted that with the return regarding democracy. Obasanjo providestransverse the particular globe using his personality and also moral stature for you to canvasspertaining to Nigeria's return to her former place regarding pride while seeking support inside theform of foreign investment; credit card debt forgiveness and also return of the country'sstolen billion.

Akindele (2005:4-9) about Obasanjo's search for foreign investment argues that will while manyweren't against the search for foreign investment, many kicked critically against the style beenused. Obasanjo believed the particular very best way to attract foreign investment is simply bygoing to countries to be able to beg pertaining to investments. Hence, his numerous foreigntrips. Akindele argues thus:

More compared to anything else, his current one week trip to Jaimacia. Barbados along withSenegal is within bad taste and incredibly insensate. In any time, when the nation is bleeding via allits pores, if the economy is within a tailspin and the polity will be overheating, we anticipate theparticular president to roll up his sleeves leap to the trenches along with lead your sprinted struggleto tease a practical method using this muddle. Yet both out of a myopic understanding of the actualcrises with hand or just a plain distain for the country, our president jumped upon yet another flightof fancy. all we could be reminded involving will become the unfortunate image regarding EmperorNero fiddling while Rome burns.

Despite the criticism, Obasanjo believes in which his approach is best. Thus he argues:

I get devoted a lot serious amounts of energy to journey virtually all corners in the globe to alwaysbe able to during my private efforts to become able to positively reintegrate our nation to theinternational neighborhood along with entice investments. We are very happy to record which theoutcomes form these trips possess been encouraging sufficient for you to confirm our belief as wellas above all marketing experts particularly that personal contact may end up being the very bestapproach to marketplace your product. And Also my method is Nigeria (Obasanjo 2002)

However, this study faults Obasanjo shuttle diplomacy in order to launder Nigeria's image abroadas well as attract foreign investment as not correctly identifying Nigeria's foreign policy objectivesas cited previously and establishing any hierarchical order regarding achieving them. The aboveassertion is actually predicated on the fact that the

foremost economic goal involving Nigeria should become to deal with her reputation and providesome other fundamental necessities associated with life, like shelter, affordable Medicare, topquality education, clean water, certainly not of course neglecting sustainable peace within thecountry. This really is as they whom fights outside with wide reputation, outside with out harmonyat home is not but safe.

Apart from the research regarding foreign investment, another issue of foreign policy importanceinside basanjo's government had been your debt relief. Hence, there have got been many shuttlediplomacy through Obasanjo and his economic team most more than the planet to always be able toconvince Paris and London Club, the IMF, Globe Bank and also G8 countries inside the need togrant Nigeria a quantity of debt relief. About 30th June 2003, the actual Paris club announced whichit's got agreed in principle to grant Nigeria debt relief. Nigeria then owned the actual club $31billion.

Another are, any Obasanjo made a mark within his foreign policy pursuit, is on the reaction to beable to developments in the world. They are globalization and proliferation regarding intra-stateconflict throughout Africa.

In West Africa sub-region. Asobie (2005:18-21) notes in which Nigeria is pushing hard for yourintegration process via what he described as thus: Fast monitoring involving one, linking Benin,Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivore. Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and a West African Pipeline project linking BeninGhana, Nigeria along with Togo.

On the continental scale, Nigeria showed a powerful determination towards the achievements NewPartnership pertaining to African Development (NEPAD). As chairman involving NEPADimplementation committee regarding head of State. President Obasanjo may be constantly in touchwith just about all the new partners of Africa in the particular direction of the particular productiveimplementation of the scheme. Nigeria's recognition of African as middle peace involving thewoman's foreign policy reflects Obasanjo's support pertaining to important role within thetransition of OAU can be AU (an initiative regarding Muamar Gaddafi). He became AUchairman. Nigeria under Obasanjo despite lean purse was involved in conflict mediation along withpeace maintaining operation inside Africa. The Particular Nigerian Army and Police ended up beingdeployed to become able to peace missions outside Nigeria just about all throughout bid for worldpeace along with security.

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

CHANGES AND CONTINUITIES IN NIGERIA'S FOREIGN

POLICY

The study essentially explored perspectives about Nigeria's foreign policy via near five decades(1960-2007). A New period encompassing ten successive governments of which 3 tend to be civilianand seven military regime. Starting with just about all the principal objectives of Nigeria's foreignpolicy during the formative numerous a lengthy time of Sir Abubakar Tafawa balwa to end up beingable to Muhammadu Buhari/Obasanjo Diplomatic soldering foreign policy via Gen. IbrahimBabangida's economic diplomacy and Abacha's "area boys" Diplomacy in order toAbubakar's restoration also to Obasanjo's administration, your crucial element and drive regardingNigeria's foreign policy remained mainly the same in spite associated with frequent changes inleadership and also political instability. Basically, Africa has always been the particular centreregarding Nigeria's foreign policy. However, this study notes that the outlook of Nigeria's foreignpolicy pursuit, protection as well as projection offers not really more than the actual years beenanchored about exact same foreign policy objective or even strings. Thus, we are going in order toexplicate our findings as well as the implications about determining Nigeria's foreign policyalternative having a view to become able to provide alternative for that future.

NIGERIA'S LEADERS PERSONALITY.

The import associated with personalized design regarding leadership, even within plethoraassociated with foreign policy generating and also implementation throughout Nigeria since 1960can't be totally emasculated. Ogwu (2005:23) views 3 main realms involving foreign policymanipulation inside the international system. According in order to her, they tend to be thepsychological, your domestic and the external. The Particular psychological realm denotes themental processes of the decision maker(s) and the subjective factors in which in a method orthe other inform the conception of your state's foreign policy issues. However, this research opinesthat the extent in order to that it affects decisions defer from state for you to state and also insidethe identical state in different times, under different individuals.

Rivera (1968:7) offers argued that the official behaviour:

Is governed from the responsibilities of the office the individual holds, by the power associated withhis workplace from the objective situation which confronts him and with that he must cope, alongwith from the knowledge that is available. Nevertheless, the same behaiour is also a item associatedwith the individuals' personality. the workplace provides him the responsibility of making certain

decisions, but whether he actually tends in order to make these decisions could depend on hisdecisiveness. Your office provides him certain powers, but whether he enlarges the power of theworkplace could depend on his assertiveness'. The Particular objective situation will influence nayman, but his individual look at the particular national curiosity and the very own personal interestswill also shape the particular decision.

Rivera's view higher than will be corroborated by Aluko (1981:15) Description regardingperspective or even the nature involving Nigeria's foreign policy. He asserts thus:

Starting form independence, Balewa maintained a new near monopoly control over the particularcountry's foreign policy. Nevertheless using Jaja Wachukwu as his foreign minister, his neardictatorial power over the country's external policy was never severely challenged.

Hence, till today, Nigeria's foreign policy offers usually been a reflection in the personalized designof leadership involving various Nigeria's regime.

Murtala Mohammed was an assertive individual as well as in which may be reflected on theparticular assertive nature associated with his foreign policy approach as referred in order toas diplomatic soldiering by simply scholars. Obasanjo could even be seen in order tohave maintained this assertive approach to become able to foreign policy pursuit. The Particularway and manner, Buhari took over, exhibits his impatience and intolerance as also shown inside hismaiden speech discussed previously. This equally reflected throughout his foreign policy.Babangida's desire in order to stay about in power exhibits his vaulting ambition along withextravagant nature, and also regarding course, it reflected in his foreign policy. He had been orconfirmed pricey interest on diplomatic actions that linked with the StructuralAdjustment Programme. He has been ECOWAS chairman three consecutive occasions thatwas costing Nigeria billions of dollars, at a period Nigeria was economically down. Abacha hadbeen confrontational and undiplomatic which usually reflects his bullying personality involvingwhich in turn scholars provides identified as region boy diplomacy. Abdusalami Abubakar's gentleand also relaxing nature influenced his foreign policy associated with rapprochements within hisbrief remain in power.

NON ARTICULATION OF THE NATIONS NATIONAL INTEREST.

Over the particular years, within four decades subsequent Nigeria's independence, successiveadministrations, through varying perspective have sought in order to identity your ultimate aimsand also objectives of Nigeria's federal relations. However, within your purview associated with theabove assertion, the fundamental inquiry is, if Nigeria, with different regimes has considered whatyour ex ultimate aims, objective or national interests are?

Starting coming from independence, our research reveals any consideration of foreign policy thatwill lack coherence and also articulation. Nigeria believes to be an excellent nation as well as overthe years provides acted giant associated with Africa which makes your ex shoulder responsibilitieswithin Africa. Correct from Balewa, Nigeria a lot much more than every other nation inside Africa,funded your anticolonial movements, Nigeria equally funded the actual anti-apartheid movement alot more than any other African country. during Gowon, the lady compensated salaries involvingstriking workers inside Grendada, practically bankrolled your business of ECOWAS. MurtalaMohammed that replaced Gowon continued with the same trend despite, the actual fact, that willbased on Joe-Garba (1991:32).

One of our reasons for getting rid of Gowon through workplace had been the squandering regarding

Nigeria's resources in these a long distance away lands as Greneda, spending civil services salariesand also balancing recurrent budgets-with absolutely no return economic as well as political withregard to Nigeria.

Ukeje (1999:25-62) judging from analytic developments within Nigeria's numerous journals,Newspapers as well as newspaper argues the particular imposition of great energy status inNigeria. He factors that will Nigeria just isn't yet a great power, though large, rich, wealthypopulous country nevertheless is actually still aspiring. He believes Nigeria's rethink regarding thewoman's past and present position throughout international relations is really a gate method to thewoman's aspirations.

NON PROCEDURAL FORMULATION, IMPLEMENTATION OF FOREIGN POLICY.

Different regimes perspectives shows that laid out institutions as discussed in chapter a pair of arenot concerned in a quantity of instances in foreign policy formulation. That They were merelydirected to implement although some others became aware via the mass media. Pertaining Toinstance,

According to Fawole (2003:18):

Professor Gambari did not enjoy considerable latitude on the job. He had been sidelined in themajor decisions and ended up being often left to complete the necessary damage control aftergovernment had taken and also implemented bad decisions. Your ministry involving Foreign Affairswas obviously a mere on-looker within the decisions to close the nations borders against it'sneighbours, expel illegal aliens in 1995 and also engage your united Kingdom in a gameof diplomatic tit-for-tat more than the particular attempted abduction regarding Umaru Dikkofrom London.. Your Iron will associated with General Buhari prevailed on most problems and thusdenied the actual country's foreign policy the expertise along with finesses that any scholar just likeGambani could get brought in to it.

Olukoshi (1990) furthermore highlighted foreign policy decisions in which were taken using respectfor the boycott in the Edinburgh Video Games within 1986 and Nigeria's admission in to the OICfurthermore within 1986 without because of process. President Babangida gave consent for theBoycott about the eight July 1986 while Guardian Newspaper carried the news about July 1986.

The Director General with the Nigeria Sports Commission first viewed it about the newspaper andalso sought confirmation from Dodan barracks. This has been duly confirmed. Each the Ministryinvolving Youth as well as Sports along with National organizing

committee had been shocked after they observed this news inside the newspaper. They weredisappointed because, a new lot of cash had recently been spent on the preparation for the games.Olukoshi argues that:

Perhaps the only outstanding flow inside the procedure by simply that the decision for you toboycott your Edinburgh Video Games lies within the failure involving the ministry regardingExternal Affairs along with Dodan Barracks in order to consult your Ministry of Youths and Sports,the actual NSC as well as the NOC in several stage in the particular program of the discussion ofthe options open to the country. Generally there is one thing wrong with a decision-making process,which usually excludes agencies, and institutions, which usually a chosen strategy is sure to affect.That is even more serious that such decisions are generally recognized in their particular mindsimply after it got into the public domain via a newspaper publication in which owns its information

to a mole.

On OIC issue, Olukoshi noted which despite your Ministry of External Affairs guidance against it,Babangida nonetheless went forward for you to nominate a delegation below the leadershipassociated with Alhaji Rilwan Lukman, the particular then minister regarding mines, energy as wellas steel in which went alongside to Morocco to become able to register Nigeria as full member. TheParticular OIC issue heightened the religious suspicion and tension with regards to Christians andMoslem domination throughout Nigeria.

NIGERIA'S DIPLOMACYW DOES NOT COMMENSURATE WITH HER SOCIO-ECONOMICSTATUS.

Differing Nigeria leaders features projected Nigeria as an excellent country and has pursued loftyforeign policy. Atteh (1990:33) causes that: A bold and also intellectually coherent foreign policyinitiative is actually desirable but eh policy posture is actually sensible as extended as it is in tuneusing the public interest along with material resources with the country. Thus there's simply noquestion that Nigeria exhibits most of the particular widespread characteristics regarding low-income developing countries. It can be primarily rural, dependent on primary product exports,offers substantial population growth, suffers through wide spread poverty, rising unemployment aswell as must handle tribal along with ethnic conflicts. Along With any GNI for each money involving260 dollars, lifestyle expectancy of 47%, illiteracy price in 37% and human development indexassociated with 0.45%, Nigeria can be indeed an economically backward nation. It istherefore, based upon the lower place associated with Nigeria about the development ladder inwhich we conclude that the ambitious foreign policy adventures regarding various Nigerian leadersseem to clearly show that it isn't within tune together with the economic realities in the nation.

CONCLUSION

As initially stipulated, this research directed at studying perspectives on Nigeria's foreign policyfrom the 12 months 1960-2007. Our choice of this time period ended up being predicated about fourstrand: initial 1960 marks the beginning regarding Nigeria as a possible impartial Nation, secondly,the actual period spanning forty seven a prolonged time affords plenty of time for that era,of pioneering foreign policy to pass. Thirdly, a period with regard to trial as well as error wouldhave got passed along with fourthly, that will historically, the time frame affords opportunities tofigure out changes and continuities in Nigeria's foreign policy. Through our findings, perspectiveson Nigeria's foreign policy possess varied over the years. This specific was largely identified uponspecific aspects that will established foreign policy outcome over the particular years. As first, hadbeen an more than personalization of foreign policy to reflect the particular country's leader'sidiosyncrasy. Hence, there has been absolutely no discernable pattern. Also, our study identifiedthat will the fact the country has been ruled mostly by the military, which frownsat democratization with the choice creating process which in turn accounts to some large extent,the personalization of the foreign policy method in Nigeria. On National interest, Han Morganthau(1973) asserts that: no nation can have true guides as exactly what it requirements to accomplishinside foreign policy without accepting national fascination as being a guide.

Thus, our study taking straight into consideration the issue of the concrete gains of Nigeria'sforeign policy notes in which Nigeria's national interest features not really been coherent along witharticulated more than your years. Within her quest to be the particular giant of Africa, Nigeria'sleaders have compromised the country's national interest.

Also, just similar to every various other nation, has laid down methods and processes regarding

policy formulation, our research discovered that most Nigerian leaders tend to ignore it as well asrather just take foreign policy decisions about their particular or without consulting just about allpeople who need to be consulted. The Actual significance involving the research therefore has beenbased essentially at elucidating perspective about the entire Nigeria's foreign policy making andimplementation machinery and processes. This specific had been using a view to discern changesalong with continuities around the time frame involving lessons learnt and conclusion drawn. havingundergone the actual foregoing discourse on perspectives upon Nigeria's Foreign Policy, the studynotes that considering the particular problem with the concrete gains associated with Nigeria'sforeign policy which Nigeria's national fascination offers not necessarily been coherentand articulated over the particular years. in the girl quest being your giant of Africa, Nigeria'sleaders have compromised the particular country's national interest. Throughout this direction, thisstudy therefore, is actually a case that those charged with almost all the duty of Nigeria's foreignpolicy making and also implementation ought to depersonalize and democratize the Nigeria'sforeign Policy

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The recommendation which are going to become produced on this study, are deduced from ourfindings. they tend to be based on the belief which a nation's foreign policy constitutes a newdomestic environment of which its imperative can be inexplicable.

1. Although each leader have their own personalized leadership style, he as well as your woman asmuch as Nigeria can become involved should be depersonalizing Nigeria's foreign policy via thedistilled choice making machinery of the state. Hence foreign policy creating method shouldbe democratized effortlessly the actual institutions which are constitutionally empowered to takecomponent inside selection making permitted to play their statutory roles.

2. Nigeria's foreign policy ought in order to be made to reflect the realities on ground. Nigeriashould be operating from the situation of strength rather than weakness. the state of the nation'seconomy will be one that calls for grave concern. The idea is actually inside the actual purview inthe above postulation that individuals argue that the actual foremost economic goal regardingNigeria should become to give the girl population and supply other simple necessity of life forexample shelter, affordable Medicare, quality education, clean water, not necessarily needless toend up being able to say neglecting sustainable peace within the country. This is as they that fightsoutside along with wide reputation, without having harmony at house just isn't yet safe.

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Joseph Effiong

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