AN ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO’S ADMINISTRATION, 1999-2007

ABSTRACT

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1     Background of the Study

1.2     Objectives of the Study

1.3     Statement of the problem

1.4     Literature Review

1.5     Scope and Limitations of the Study

1.6     Significance of the Study

1.7     Research Methodology

Chapter Two
Evolution and Development of Nigerian Foreign Policy

2.1     Concept of Foreign Policy

2.2     Evolution of Nigerian Foreign Policy

2.3     Objectives of Nigerian Foreign Policy

2.4     Principles of Nigerian Foreign Policy

2.5     Instrument of Nigerian Foreign Policy
2.6     Institutional Actors of Nigerian Foreign Policy

 Chapter Three

President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Foreign Policy

3.1     Foreign Policy Under Obasanjo’s Administration

3.2     Philosophy Guiding Nigerian  Foreign Policy

3.3     Domestic Factors Influencing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

3.4     Influence of the Personality of President Olusegun Obasanjo

on Nigerian Foreign Policy

3.5     Nigeria’s Relations with Major Powers

3.6     Relations with Rising Powers and African Countries

Chapter Four

Evaluation of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Foreign Policy,

4.1     Obasanjo’s Shuttle Diplomacy: Successes and Failures

4.2     Achievements of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Foreign

Policy

4.3     Challenges Faced by President Olusegun Obasanjo in the

Implementation of Nigerian Foreign Policy

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation.

Bibliography

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Relations between Nigeria and other state and non–state actors in international politics from 1999 onward were based on democratic principles. The tit-for-tat diplomacy of late Gen. Sani Abacha, de facto President of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998 had greatly damaged the image of Nigeria. The government was accused of human rights abuses and was repeatedly condemned by the U.S. State Department. There were break in relationship with many countries with threats of economic sanctions from others. Apart from this, the government was characterized by an inconsistent foreign policy which made Nigeria a scorn in the comity of nations. The coming of President Olusegun Obasanjo and the various reforms which he embarked upon actually brought Nigeria out of the messy situation that Gen. Sani Abacha led the country into. For President Olusegun Obasanjo to have achieved such a feat in restoring the image of the country deserves scholarly attention. This study therefore aims to provide a critical appraisal of Obasanjo’s foreign policy with emphasis on his use of expatriates in the conduct of external relations; shifting of policy to accommodate China, India and other rising powers; reintegration of Nigeria into the African Union, the United Nations and other international organizations; and the revolution in domestic policies that favoured strategic repositioning of Nigerian economy.

This study seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide a detailed background to Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 focusing on his achievements and shortcomings;
• Examine the impact of Obasanjo’s shuttle diplomacy in re-building Nigeria’s image as a regional power in Africa;
• Analyse Obasanjo’s policy of partnership especially with the western powers and the implication of this partnership on Nigeria economic growth between 1999 and 2007;
• Discuss the contributions of Nigeria under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo to the security and peace-building in Africa; and lastly,
• Provide a critique of the personality of President Olusegun Obasanjo and its influence in the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy towards other states as well as international organizations.
  

NIGERIAN PEACEKEEPING MISSION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL FROM 1960 TO 2010: A STUDY OF SIERRA LEAONE

ABSTRACT

The study examines the historical development of Nigerian peacekeeping mission under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council from 1960 to 2009 using Sierra Leone as a case study. Furthermore, it discusses the concept, nature and general principles of peacekeeping; examined the foreign policy objectives of Nigeria in relation to her peacekeeping mission; examine the contributions of Nigerian peacekeeping mission to the installment of peace and stability in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2000; and review the major challenges facing Nigeria peacekeeping mission. Historical research method was employed in this study. Both primary and secondary source materials were used by the researcher. The study established that Nigeria’s peacekeeping mission has been beneficial to the country especially in the projection of her public diplomacy and foreign power abroad.

NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER MURTALA/OBASANJO AND ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

ABSTRACT

Nigerian leaders often see their country as the “natural leader” of the African continent.  And the country’s foreign policy is best understood and assessed in the context of its regional and continental ambitions largely designed by the presiding head of state or president. Thus, a study of Nigeria’s foreign policy under Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960-1966) and Murtala/Obasanjo (1975-1979) will expose us to understand better the actors and factors that shape the country’s foreign policy.

Generally, Nigerian historians and political scientists regard the Murtala/Obasanjo regime (1975 – 1979) as a period that Nigeria became the “Giant of Africa” due to her confrontational foreign policy posture. Coupled with the transition programme initiated by General Murtala Mohammed and later implemented by General (Rtd.) Olusegun Obasajo, the regime was tagged a successful one. When this is compared to the foreign policy Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, one realizes that the two different regimes pursued the same foreign policy objectives but differently. They both have their peculiarities in building the country’s power status within the African sub-region. This study therefore seeks to provide well researched and comparative study regarding Nigeria’s foreign policy under Murtala/Obasanjo and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

 

BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN NIGERIA AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1975-1979

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America from 1975 to 1979. The study traced the historical development of Nigeria-US relations  with emphasis on Mohammed /Obasanjo foreign policy posture towards the US Government.It also examines the impact of Mohammed’s policy of confrontation and its far reaching effects on Nigeria-US relations. Moreso, the study analyses Obasanjo’s policy of partnership especially with the Carter administration and the implication of this partnership on Nigeria-US relations. Furthermore, the study discussed the relationship between Nigeria  and  US in key areas such as bilateral trade, oil and gas, power generation, rail transport system, road construction, communication, manufacturing and retail loan finance and general free trade zone. It also examined include politics, military and cultural bilateral relations between the two countries. Attention was also given to the domestic factors that shaped US relations with Nigeria and how Nigeria views the changing role of US government on the African continent. Historical method or approach was employed in this study. Both Primary and Secondary sources were used by the researcher. The study established that Nigeria’s external relation with US has been beneficial to the two countries. Again, it established that the relationship between Nigeria and US is a win-win strategy but this is yet to be thoroughly maximized by the Nigerian government given the political, military, technological and economic base of US as the world Superpower in international politics.