GOVERNMENT

THEME – NIGERIA AND THE WORLD

TOPIC – NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

CLASS – SS 3

 

TOPIC – NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

LEARNING AREAS 

1. Meaning of Foreign Policy

2. Factors that Influence Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

3. Origin of Non-alignment

4. The Effectiveness of Non-alignment in Foreign Politics

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL

1. Textbooks

2. Pictures and charts

3. World map

4. Newspaper cuttings.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define foreign policy.

2. examine the factors that influence Nigeria’s foreign policy.

3. discuss the origin of non-alignment.

4. assess the effectiveness of non-alignment in foreign politics.

 

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

MEANING OF FOREIGN POLICY

Foreign policy refers to a government’s strategies, actions, and decisions in relation to its dealings with other countries and international organizations. It involves determining the country’s stance on key global issues, establishing diplomatic relationships, engaging in trade and economic partnerships, and influencing international events to promote national interests and security.

Foreign policy decisions can be influenced by a range of factors, including political ideology, national security concerns, economic interests, and cultural or human rights principles.

 

NIGERIAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Nigeria’s foreign policy is a complex interplay of various factors, and policymakers must carefully balance these considerations to advance the country’s interests on the global stage.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Several factors can influence Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions. Some of the key factors include:

1. Economic Interests

Nigeria’s foreign policy is often shaped by its economic interests, such as promoting trade and investment, securing access to energy resources, and seeking financial assistance and development aid.

2. Security Concerns

Nigeria’s foreign policy is greatly influenced by its security challenges, including terrorism, militancy, and border security issues. The government seeks to foster regional and international cooperation to address these security threats.

3. Political Ideology

Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions can also be influenced by its political ideology and values, such as democracy, human rights, and good governance. The government may align itself with like-minded countries and international organizations that share similar principles.

4. Regional Leadership

Nigeria plays a significant role in regional politics in Africa, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Its foreign policy decisions are often guided by its aspiration to maintain regional stability and promote economic integration in West Africa.

5. International Alliances

Nigeria’s foreign policy is influenced by its relationships with other countries and international organizations. It seeks to build strategic partnerships with key players on the global stage, such as the United States, China, and the European Union.

6. Domestic Politics

Domestic political considerations can also impact Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions. Political leaders may take into account public opinion, interest groups, and electoral considerations when formulating and implementing foreign policies.

7. Historical and Cultural Factors

Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions can also be influenced by its historical experiences, cultural values, and national identity. These factors can shape the country’s approach to diplomacy and international relations.

 

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

The main aims and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy are as follows:

1. To Promote of National Security and Defense 

One of the key objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy is to ensure the security and defense of the country, including protecting its borders and citizens from external threats.

2. For Economic Development and Prosperity

Nigeria’s foreign policy aims to promote economic development and prosperity by fostering trade and investment opportunities with other countries, as well as securing access to resources and markets.

3. To Promote Regional and International Peace and Stability

Nigeria seeks to play a constructive role in regional and international peace and stability, by supporting conflict resolution efforts and participating in peacekeeping missions.

4. To Promote Human Rights and Democracy

Nigeria’s foreign policy aims to promote and protect human rights and democracy at the regional and international level, by supporting efforts to uphold democratic principles and good governance.

5. To Protect National Interests 

Nigeria’s foreign policy seeks to protect and advance the country’s national interests, including securing its position as a leading African nation and promoting its global influence.

6. To Strengthen Diplomatic Relations

Nigeria aims to strengthen its diplomatic relations with other countries through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as participating in international organizations and forums.

7. To Promote Cultural and Educational Exchange

Nigeria’s foreign policy aims to promote cultural and educational exchange with other countries, in order to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

 

NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY SINCE INDEPENDENCE

Nigeria’s foreign policy has evolved since gaining independence in 1960, reflecting changes in global dynamics, regional politics, and domestic priorities. Here is an overview of Nigeria’s foreign policy since independence:

1. Non-alignment and Pan-Africanism (1960s-1970s)

In the early years of independence, Nigeria pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, seeking to maintain friendly relations with both Western and Eastern bloc countries. Nigeria also played a leading role in promoting Pan-African unity and supported liberation movements in southern Africa.

2. Regional Leadership and Advocacy (1970s-1980s)

Nigeria emerged as a regional leader in West Africa, contributing to conflict resolution efforts and peacekeeping missions in the region. Nigeria also advocated for the decolonization of African countries and supported the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

3. Economic Diplomacy and Oil Diplomacy (1980s-1990s)

In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria’s foreign policy focused on economic diplomacy, as the country sought to attract foreign investment and promote trade relations with other countries. Nigeria also played a key role in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), using its oil resources as leverage in international relations.

4. Democratic Transition and Human Rights Advocacy (1990s-2000s)

Following the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria’s foreign policy increasingly emphasized democracy promotion, human rights advocacy, and good governance. Nigeria played an active role in regional conflict resolution efforts, such as in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

5. Counterterrorism and Security Cooperation (2010s-present)

In recent years, Nigeria has focused on counterterrorism and security cooperation, particularly in response to the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast of the country. Nigeria has also engaged in efforts to address transnational security challenges, such as piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

 

NON-ALIGNMENT

Non-alignment refers to a foreign policy approach in which a country does not officially align itself with any major power blocs or alliances. Instead, non-aligned countries seek to maintain independence, sovereignty, and flexibility in their international relations.

 

NIGERIA AND NON-ALIGNMENTAL

Nigeria’s stance on non-alignment has been a consistent feature of its foreign policy since gaining independence in 1960. Nigeria’s non-alignment policy was influenced by several factors, including its colonial history, the Cold War context, and the desire to promote Pan-African unity. As a former British colony, Nigeria sought to assert its independence and sovereignty by avoiding formal alliances with Western or Eastern bloc countries.

During the Cold War period, Nigeria pursued a non-aligned stance to navigate the dynamics of the global power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. By remaining non-aligned, Nigeria aimed to preserve its autonomy and pursue its national interests without being drawn into the rivalries of the superpowers.

Nigeria’s commitment to non-alignment was also driven by its Pan-Africanist ideology, which emphasized solidarity among African countries and the promotion of unity and cooperation on the continent. Nigeria played a leading role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union, and advocated for African countries to chart their own course in international affairs.

In recent years, Nigeria’s non-alignment policy has evolved to address contemporary challenges and opportunities in the global arena. While maintaining a commitment to independence and sovereignty, Nigeria has engaged in strategic partnerships and alliances with countries and organizations that align with its national interests and development priorities.

Overall, Nigeria’s non-alignment policy reflects its commitment to charting an independent path in international relations, promoting regional cooperation, and advancing the interests of the African continent. Despite changing global dynamics, Nigeria continues to uphold the principles of non-alignment while actively engaging with the international community to address pressing issues and pursue common goals.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads discussion on foreign policy.

2. assesses Nigeria’s foreign policy.

3. discusses non-alignment.

4. organizes a debate on the merits and demerits of Nigeria’s membership of the non-alig nment.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. participate in the discussion on foreign policy.

2. take notes.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. say what is foreign policy?

2. explain the factors that influence Nigeria’s foreign policy.