What Guides Nigeria’s Foreign Policy with Other Nations?
Foreign policy may sound abstract at first, but for WAEC Government candidates, it’s a crucial topic; one that comes alive when linked with real events like Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS peacekeeping missions or diplomatic moves within the African Union.
In this post, we break down what foreign policy means, the principles guiding Nigeria’s external relations, how those principles appear in current affairs, and what WAEC examiners are really looking for.
What Is Foreign Policy?
Foreign policy refers to a country’s strategic approach to dealing with other countries, international organisations, and global events. It includes how a country promotes its interests abroad: economically, politically, culturally, and militarily.
In simple terms, foreign policy answers the question: How does Nigeria relate with the rest of the world, and why?
WAEC Focus: What You Must Know
For WAEC, you’re expected to go beyond the textbook definition of foreign policy. The syllabus requires you to explain the principles that guide Nigeria’s external relations and give specific examples of how these principles are put into action.
You should also be able to describe the roles played by various actors and agencies such as the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nigerian embassies abroad.
Moreover, understanding how Nigeria engages with international bodies like ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations will help you provide well-rounded essay answers.
Principles of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has followed several consistent principles in its approach to foreign relations. First is the principle of non-alignment, which means Nigeria chooses not to permanently side with any major power bloc. This flexible stance allows the country to relate diplomatically and economically with both Western and Eastern countries based on its national interest.
Another major principle is African unity and independence. Africa is considered the cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, so the country consistently advocates for decolonisation, cooperation, and solidarity among African states.
Closely linked to this is the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, which reflects Nigeria’s belief that all nations, regardless of size or power, deserve mutual respect and should not be interfered with unjustly.
Additionally, Nigeria favours the peaceful resolution of conflicts, whether in its immediate neighbourhood or across Africa. Rather than resorting to war, the country promotes dialogue, negotiation, and peacekeeping missions.
Finally, Nigeria adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, although it occasionally supports multilateral interventions when regional stability is at risk, especially through platforms like ECOWAS or the AU.
WAEC-Style Application: Examples from Current Affairs
Understanding the theory is only part of the task; WAEC examiners expect you to connect these principles with real-world examples. Nigeria’s African-centered diplomacy is evident in its peacekeeping efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and The Gambia. In fact, during the 2017 political crisis in The Gambia, Nigerian troops joined ECOWAS forces to pressure Yahya Jammeh to step down after losing the presidential election.
The principle of non-alignment was prominent during the Cold War, when Nigeria maintained relations with both the United States and the Soviet Union without becoming politically dependent on either.
Nigeria’s support for liberation movements was also strong in the 1970s and 1980s, when it backed anti-colonial struggles in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, offering both diplomatic and financial assistance to groups like the ANC, ZANU, and SWAPO.
In terms of sovereignty and peaceful diplomacy, Nigeria typically avoids direct military intervention in neighbouring states, preferring to work through established channels like the African Union or the United Nations.
The country’s international cooperation is visible in its participation in high-level summits, such as hosting AU conferences, and in its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council multiple times. These activities show Nigeria’s commitment to shaping global discourse, especially on African issues.
Who Executes Nigeria’s Foreign Policy?
Several actors and institutions are responsible for carrying out Nigeria’s foreign policy. At the top is the President, who as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief makes major foreign policy decisions, often in consultation with the National Assembly.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a central role by formulating diplomatic strategies, advising the government, coordinating with embassies and missions abroad, and representing Nigeria at international forums.
Ambassadors and high commissioners act as Nigeria’s official representatives in foreign countries, while regional and international bodies like ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth serve as platforms through which Nigeria interacts with the wider world. These bodies amplify Nigeria’s voice and allow it to negotiate and collaborate on global and continental issues.
Wrapping Up
Nigeria’s foreign policy is shaped by its identity as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies. It aims to promote peace, economic development, and regional leadership, all while maintaining respectful, non-aligned relations with the rest of the world.
In your WAEC exam, avoid simply listing facts; show that you understand how principles translate into real actions, and link theory to examples. That depth of understanding is what scores top marks.
