ORIGIN
The origin of this concept ‘Africa as the centre piece of Nigeria’s policy’, could be traced to the administration of the first republic in Nigeria (1960-1966) headed by the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. According to him,’ we belong to Africa and Africa must take the first attention in our foreign relations’. By Africa being the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy, it means that Africa should be given a place of pride in Nigeria’s foreign policy formulation. A significant milestone was reached in the conceptualization of the nation’s foreign policy when Africa was officially declared as the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy by the regime of Murtala/Obasanjo.
The following are the principles of the concept ‘Africa the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy’.
- Sovereignty and equality of all African states.
- Total eradication of racial discrimination and colonialism in Africa.
- To oppose aggression, support the demand for the restoration of fundamental human rights.
- Promoting friendly association among independent African states.
- Respect for and non- interference in the internal affairs of other African states
EVALUATION
- Mention 4 principles of the concept ‘Africa the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
- Trace the origin of Africa being the center piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
REASONS FOR THE ADOPTION OF AFRICA AS THE CENTRE PIECE OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
- Size and Population: Nigeria made Africa the centre piece of her foreign policy, because it recognized the fact that by virtue of her size, population and wealth, she has a historical mission in Africa.
- Decolonization of African States: Nigeria declared Africa as the centre piece of her foreign policy because she realized that her independence will be meaningless if it does not lead to the independence of other African States. This is why decolonization is the main objective of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
- Friendly Association: By making Africa the centre piece of her foreign policy, Nigeria hoped to promote friendly relations, to bring Africa countries together so that they can speak with one voice in international organizations such as United Nations, Common Wealth and so on.
- Assistance: Nigeria made Africa the centre piece of her foreign policy so as to assist other African countries and foster understanding among them
- Leadership: Nigeria is looked upon for leadership in Africa and to realize such expectation she made Africa the center piece of her foreign policy.
- Charity Begins at Home: Nigeria being part of Africa, decided to start her foreign policy making at home by making Africa the center piece of her foreign policy and to claim their first attention in their external relations.
EVALUATION
Explain 4 reasons for the adoption of Africa as the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Explain the origin of Africa as the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy
- Explain the term ‘decolonization’
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- The concept of Africa as the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy originated in the (a) second republic (b) first republic (c) third republic
- Who was the military President of Nigeria between 1983 -1985? (a) Buhari (b) Obasanjo (c) Shagari
- The origin of Africa as the center piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy can be traced to —- administration (a) Murtala Mohammed (b) Tafawa Balewa (c) Buhari
- All the following were the principles of the concept Africa the Center Piece of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy except (a) promotion of colonialism (b) decolonization (c) sovereignty and equality of all Africa States.
- The concept of Africa as the center piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy was officially declared in _____ regime (a) Buhari (b) Murtala/Obasanjo (c) Babangida
THEORY
- Explain the origin of the concept of Africa as the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy
- Mention 4 main principles of the concept.
See also