HOW NIGERIA HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT AFRICA IS THE CENTRE PIECE OF HER FOREIGN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
- Anti-racism and Anti-colonialism: Nigeria has shown that Africa is the centre piece of her foreign policy by ensuring total eradication of colonialism in any part of Africa. For example, the support for the M.P.L.A, this led to the liberation of Angola. Shagari donated 10Million naira to Zimbabwe for her independence celebration in 1980.
- Support of O.A.U: Successive administration in Nigeria has supported the Organization of Africa Unity politically, financially and in the areas of diplomacy. Nigeria believes that O.A.U is the best.
- Nigeria has demonstrated that Africa is the centre piece of her foreign policy formulation by establishing friendly relations with all African states.
- Assistance to Sister African States: To show that Africa is truly the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy formulation and also for the spirit of brotherhood, Nigeria has provided technical aid and expertise to sister African States.
- Resolution of Conflicts: Nigeria is committed to peaceful resolution of political conflicts and Inter- state disputes. Nigeria took active role in the settlement of political crisis in Liberia and Sierra Leone through the formation of ECOWAS.
- Encouragement of Democracy: In the bid of demonstrating her interest in Africa, Nigeria encourages democracy in all parts of Africa.
- Economic Co-operation: Nigeria is also involved in the promotion of economic cooperation. The establishment of ECOWAS in 1975 and African Economic Community are examples.
- Sports: Promotion of intra-Africa sports such as hosting important sporting events e.g All Africa games, Africa Nations Cup and so on.
- Cultural Assistance: Nigeria has also promoted cultural ties amongst Africa States e.g FESTAC
- Promotion of Unity: Nigeria has also demonstrated that Africa is the centre piece of her foreign policy by promoting unity and solidarity, especially at the international community.
EVALUATION
Give 3 ways through which Nigeria demonstrate that Africa is the centre piece of her foreign policy formulation.
WAYS BY WHICH NIGERIA MAINTAIN FRIENDLY RELATIONS AMONG AFRICAN STATES
- Establishment of Bilateral economic/political relationship e.g Nigeria and Togo
- Promotion of Multi-Lateral economic/political relationship e.g Chad Basin Commission and Niger Basin Commission.
- Active participation in economic union e.g ECOWAS, Africa Petroleum Producers Association (APPA), Africa Economic Community (AEC), Africa Development Bank (A.D.B.)
- Grants and Aids: Sending of relief materials to victims of political instability or natural disaster. This is done through the Technical Aid Corps Scheme.
- Nigeria has also maintained friendly relations with other African countries through the initiation of peaceful settlement of crisis e.g Congo, Chad, Liberia, Zimbabwe and so on.
- Peaceful resolution of conflict with her neighbor e.g Nigeria and Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon over Bakassi Peninsula.
- Participation in peacekeeping operation e.g Congo, Chad, Liberia and so on.
- Active participation in cultural and sporting activities e.g African games, FESTAC 1977
- Active support for liberation movement in Africa e.g MPLA, SWAPO, A.N.C and so on.
EVALUATION
State 5 ways by which Nigeria maintain friendly relations with other African countries
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Highlight the features of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
- State the benefits of interactions among nations.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- D.B stands for (a) African Development Bank (b) Advance Development Board (c) Alliance for Democracy Board
- FESTAC 1977, was held in (a) Ghana (b) Cameroon (c) Nigeria
- The policy of indignant was practiced in colonies controlled by (a) Britain (b) France (c) Portugal
- A public corporation is financed with (a) tax payers money (b) private fund (c) donations from philanthropist
- Which regime launched a crusade against the dumping toxic and radio-active wastes in the continent? (a) Obasanjo (b) Buhari (c) Babangida
THEORY
- How has Nigeria contributed to liberation movement?
- Examine Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Abdulsalam Abubakar regime
See also