ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY 2015-2022

Abstract

Pertinent to international relations is foreign image, and Nigeria since independence has projected Africa to be the centrepiece of its foreign policy, thus swift to playing the ‘big brother’ role in Africa. Adopting the expository design, this study examined the foreign and domestic implications of Nigeria’s foreign image alongside the foreign policy perspectives under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2022. The study confirmed that Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions and direction are the resultant influence of the personality traits of the leadership, and it concluded that the many challenges faced by the country domestically are not good image projections for it on the international scene. It recommended that in order to attain and maintain a respectable image in the eye of the its neighbours far and near, the Nigerian government needs to focus on infrastructural development, economic diversification, improvement in the energy sector, and the protection of the lives of Nigerians in the diaspora.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

nation, as beyond its foreign policy implications, it also goes a long way to determine investment opportunities as well as development prospects, among other things. The ‘right’ image projection tends to be one of the most difficult tasks to actualize, and this is because an image could be seen differently by different observers depending on their viewing perspectives. Image, is defined as “…an individual’s perception of an object, fact, or condition in terms of badness or goodness as well as the meaning ascribed to, or deduced there from.”1 In other words, an image is how an individual perceives an object. How they see and interprets the object depends on what interests them. Translated to international politics, foreign image is how other international actors perceive a state or a non-state actor in the international system. However, it is most paramount for a state to be ascribed the kind of image it wishes. Therefore, it should have the capacity to project to the world what it intends for the world to see about it. This entails framing or structuring the perspectives of actors in the international system. Additionally, a state’s projected foreign image depends largely on its foreign policy, and this policy should be in accordance with its national interest.2 This is due to the fact that the national interest of a state is of great importance in its foreign policy and relations. Thus, states usually aim at safeguarding their national interest at all times3. Pertinently, national interest aspires to foster a nation’s foreign image and relevance among other states in the international system.4

Nigeria, over the years, has projected Africa to be the centrepiece of its foreign policy, and this policy focus largely informs Nigeria’s foreign image, particularly within the African continent and across the world. This is in a bid to making itself a force to reckon with in the international community.5 Historically, to a large extent, the country can be said to have commanded a lot of influence and strength in the African continent as it intended for the world to see. Examples can be seen in the role Nigeria played in the establishment of international organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and its influence on the maintenance of peace and security in Africa.6 It is also an active member of the United Nations Organizations (UNO) especially in ensuring stability and peace in African countries such as Angola, Somalia, Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Mali, Liberia, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea-Bissau. Also, Nigeria significantly participated in ending apartheid regime in South Africa and the country’s subsequent independence. Nigeria’s efforts towards promotion of cooperation among African countries in all field through trade and economic exchange is outstanding. 7

Although, Nigeria is known to play the role of a ‘big brother’ in Africa; maintaining peace and stability in the continent through mediation and peace keeping operations in many war torn African countries, these roles sometimes pose economic burdens on the country.8 With special interest in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, this paper investigated Nigeria’s foreign image, with particular interest on its domestic implications and foreign policy perspectives. The paper adopted the leadership personality model as a framework of analysis. This introductory section of the study is followed by a brief literature review on Nigeria’s foreign image particularly under the leadership of President Buhari. Subsequent sections suggest ways to improve the foreign image of Nigeria among other relevant sub-themes.

As a Head of Government under a military government General Buhari pursued a radical foreign policy which led confrontation with Nigeria neighbours, radical countering of colonial and apartheid governments on the continent. President Buhari assumed shuttle diplomacy between different countries immediately after assuming office in 2015 he was referred at as “Jet-Setting President”, this was attributed mainly to the fact he spent a quarter of first 100 days in office in different countries. The president upon inauguration assumed the responsibility of been countries chief diplomat and foreign policy officer to re-launch Nigeria into the international community. This is mostly attributed to the international environment Buhari found himself, this situation was characterised by dwindling oil prices, terrorism and counter-terrorism, nuclear deals and neoliberalism among others Aning, K., Abdallah, M., & Kofi, F. (2017)

It is on premises of the above background that this research seek to understand the change of foreign policy direction of president Muhammad Buhari civilian regime of 2015-2022.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study, while corroborating Robinson, in Roseau (1969) that the primary interest of all nations is security of national territory and in safeguarding the lives and values of the citizens (wherever they may choose to live), observed that African-centered foreign policy of Nigeria had not adequately safeguarded her citizens‟ lives and values. While Okolie (2007) also refers to foreign policy as protecting, maximizing and promoting the prescribed national interest of a given state, the work equally observed that the Afrocentric foreign policy of Nigeria had not adequately protected, maximized and promoted our national interest in favour of her citizens. Furthermore, it is observed that, despite the conservative African-centered foreign policy adopted since independence, progress, prosperity and survival of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora had not been well promoted. More so, as Eke (2009) noted that every state‟s interest is dictated by the interests and core values of its citizens.

1.3 Research Question

1. What are the nature of Nigeria's foreign relations that exist under president Muhammadu Buhari civilian administration from 2015-2022?

2. How has Nigeria foreign policy and bilateral security relations with other countries improved under Muhammadu buhari?

3. Are there any positive influences of Nigeria- ECOWAS Countries Relations Under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015-2022?

4. What are the nature of relationship that Nigeria-United States enjoy since Buhari took over power in 2015?

5. What are the nature of diplomatic relations between Nigeria-China Relations?

1.4 Definition of Terms

Global security: is the efforts taken by the community of nations to protect against threats which are transnational in nature.

Security: this is an investment vehicle offered by an insurance company, that guarantees a stream of fixed payments over the life of the annuity.

Foreign policy: is the manner and objectives that are important for establishing and maintaining relationships with other countries and people of other lands.

Policy: A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters

1.5 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study is to investigate the Nigerian Foreign Policy Under President Muhammadu Buhari From 2015-2022

The study have the following specific objectives;

1. What are the nature of Nigeria's foreign relations that exist under president Muhammadu Buhari civilian administration from 2015-2022?

2. How has Nigeria foreign policy and bilateral security relations with other countries improved under Muhammadu buhari?

3. Are there any positive influences of Nigeria- ECOWAS Countries Relations Under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015-2022?

4. What are the nature of relationship that Nigeria-United States enjoy since Buhari took over power in 2015?

5. What are the nature of diplomatic relations between Nigeria-China Relations?

1.6 Significance Of The Study

This work is significant because it investigate the Nigerian Foreign Policy Under President Muhammadu Buhari From 2015-2022. And the recommendations will help subsequent administrations to improve human condition especially in Nigeria.

It will also help Nigeria to place the national interests at the forefront while pursuing her foreign policy.

However, it has been stated in this work that foreign policy does not favour a country that is backward technologically. Therefore, this work will also help to encourage the government on the need to develop the nation technologically in order to achieve her national interests in this era of globalization.

This research finding will also help to change the way people think about the status of Nigeria as a ‘giant of Africa’ which plays a major role in peace-keeping operations in Africa. Many Nigerians who are boastful of Nigerian peace keeping operations in Africa without considering its impact on the country would have a rethink.

1.6 Research Methodology

This paper utilises secondary sources of data for the research; this includes journals, relevant books, periodicals, newspapers reports, internet sources, government releases, and pronouncement.

1.7 Scope and Limitations

This study is investigates Nigerian Foreign Policy Under President Muhammadu Buhari with a special references of reviewing the nature of foreign policy between Nigeria other nations of the world since his inception as president from 2015 to present.

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection from secondary sources

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 Organization of the study

This work has been divided into five Chapters. Chapter One gives the general background of the study on Nigeria's foreign policy since independence, placed emphasis on different foreign policy adopted by Nigerian government since 1960 . The chapter also states the problem which the adopted foreign policy had encountered, the research questions, definition of terms ,objectives, significance of the study, methodology, scope and limitations and its organization. Chapter Two being the Literature Review, critically examined the conceptual, empirical and theoretical framework relevance to the study. The chapter three and chapter four was anchored to analyze the research objectives while the chapter five provides summary of the findings, conclusion of the whole chapters and then offers some recommendations.

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