Nigeria's Foreign Policy

Foreign policy refers to the strategy or set of principles a nation adopts in its interaction with other sovereign states and international organizations. Nigeria’s foreign policy is driven by its national interest, which serves as the guiding compass for its international engagements.

Objectives of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

According to the 1999 Constitution and various policy frameworks, the primary objectives include:

• Promotion and Protection of National Interest: Ensuring the security and sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
• Afrocentrism: The promotion of African unity and the total political, economic, social, and cultural liberation of Africa. Africa is considered the 'centerpiece' of Nigeria's foreign policy.
• Global Peace and Security: Active participation in international organizations like the UN, AU, and ECOWAS to maintain global order.
• Economic Cooperation: Engaging in trade and bilateral agreements to foster domestic economic growth.
• Non-Alignment: Maintaining independence from the influence of major power blocs (East vs. West).

Relations with Major Powers

Nigeria maintains strategic relations with world powers such as the USA, United Kingdom, China, and Russia. Historically, Nigeria had strong ties with Britain (the former colonial master) and the West. However, in recent years, Nigeria has adopted a 'Look East' policy, strengthening economic and infrastructural ties with China.

Relations with Developing Countries and the Technical Aid Corps (TAC)

Nigeria plays a leadership role in the Global South. A significant instrument of this engagement is the Technical Aid Corps (TAC), established in 1987. The TAC scheme involves sending Nigerian professionals (doctors, engineers, teachers) to assist other African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. This serves as a 'soft power' tool to promote development and strengthen diplomatic ties without direct financial aid.

Nigeria’s Non-Alignment Policy

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed during the Cold War to allow developing nations to remain neutral between the US-led Western bloc and the Soviet-led Eastern bloc. Nigeria joined NAM at independence in 1960. While Nigeria was often perceived as 'pro-West' during the First Republic under Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, it has officially maintained a policy of non-alignment to preserve its sovereignty and take independent positions on global issues based on merit.