International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies

Volume 6, Issue 11, 2019, PP 1-12

ISSN 2394-6288 (Print) & ISSN 2394-6296 (Online)

The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-

Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives
Dr. Joseph C. Ebegbulem
Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Joseph C. Ebegbulem, Department of Political Science, University of
Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
Nigeria’s foreign policy can be traced to periods of the country’s existence. These periods are the colonial
period and the post-colonial period. The colonial period, between 1914 and 1960 is when the entity called
Nigeria came into existence as a united nation, even though the country was still under colonial rule. The
post-colonial period is from independence in 1960 till date. This study will pay attention to the post-colonial
period of Nigeria’s foreign policy since it can be rightly said that Nigeria as a sovereign state started having
interest from this period. The post-colonial period saw the formation of indigenous foreign policy that was
truly called Nigerian foreign policy. This study will therefore examine the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign
policy before independence and review the country’s foreign policy since independence in 1960. The study
will also look at the principles and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy; determinants of Nigeria’s foreign
policy; and, the Afrocentric principles of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Keywords: Foreign policy, Afrocentric principles, Independence, Intervention, Commonwealth

INTRODUCTION was controlled by the British to serve their

interest.
EVOLUTION OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN
POLICY Nigeria’s external affairs were fully in the hands
of the British Governor-General of Nigeria.
The evolution of Nigeria‟s foreign policy could External Affairs were among the subjects
be divided into two, namely colonial period and reserved for the Governor-General, a Briton.
post-colonial period. The colonial period is The sessional paper on Foreign Policy (1956),
when the entity called Nigeria came into which was the first serious foreign policy paper
existence i.e. 1914-1960, when the country was on Nigeria was a product of the joint efforts of
still under the colonial rule of the British the Governor-General, his Chief Secretary (also
government, while the post-colonial period is a Briton), and the British Colonial and
from independence till date. This paper will Commonwealth Reactions Offices (Ofoegbu,
focus on the post-colonial period of Nigerian 1998: 48).
foreign policy because that is when it can be
rightly said that Nigeria, as a sovereign state The post-independence period saw the
started having interest. From 1914 to the later formation of a truly indigenous foreign policy
part of 1960, the interest of the British was the that was truly called Nigerian foreign policy.
interest of the entity called Nigeria. With the coming of successive governments
since independence, the policy has been
Not just Nigeria, other countries of the mortified. Even though there have been changes
Commonwealth were content to leave the in foreign policy formulation by various
diplomatic representation of their interests to governments since independence in 1960, the
Her Majesty‟s government in the United objective of the country‟s foreign policy still
Kingdom. According to Ayah (1998: 27) “In remains the same. Anyaele (2005) posits that the
these countries, the interests of all members of protection of national interest has remained
the Commonwealth are therefore watched over permanent in Nigeria‟s foreign policy, but the
and protected by Her Majesty‟s Ambassador or strategy for such protection has varied from one
Minister for the United Kingdom.” Ray regime to another. This means that all the
Ofoegbu succinctly pointed out also that governments from independence till date have
Nigeria‟s foreign policy before independence

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

pursued the same goal and objective using  Respect for the sovereign equality of all
different instruments. From the administration nations
of Sir Balewa in the First Republic to the
present administration of Dr. Good luck  Promotion of friendship and cooperation
Jonathan, the objectives of Nigerian foreign among the various countries in the world
policy have remained the same.  Maintenance of the principles of non-
It is not wrong to state that the evolution of interference and non-aggression in other
Nigeria‟s foreign policy can be traced to when countries of the world
the country got her independence as a sovereign
 Promotion of the rapid de-colonisation of
state. Upon gaining independence in 1960,
Africa
Nigeria made the liberation of Africa the centre-
piece of her foreign policy and played a leading  Maintaining a modest approach to the pursuit
role in the fight against the apartheid regime in of Nigeria‟s foreign policy
South Africa (Samora, 1979). Samora further
stated that Nigeria‟s foreign policy was tested in  Support for a free and democratic world
the 1970s after the country emerged united from  Promotion and support of cooperation and
civil war and quickly committed herself to the integration among African states (Asogwa,
liberation struggles going on in the Southern 2009: 78)
African sub- region.
Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy under Prime
As noted earlier, Nigeria‟s foreign policy before Minister Balewa was not in doubt. Balewa was
independence in 1960 was tied to the interest of committed to the decolonisation of Africa and
the British. When the country got independence, the wellbeing of Africans. Under Balewa,
the first major task the Balewa administration Nigeria played a leading role in the formation of
had to deal with was the shaping of Nigeria‟s the Organisation of African Unity (now African
foreign policy in alignment with Nigeria‟s Union) and the Chad Basin Commission in
national interest. Nigeria‟s post-independence 1964. Nigeria also contributed substantially to
foreign policy was centered around the Prime the special fund of the OAU liberation
Minister who dominated the foreign policy committee and played an active role in the
machinery. He conducted a conservative foreign expulsion of apartheid South Africa from the
policy that was pro-West even though he Commonwealth of Nations in 1961. Nigeria‟s
professed a policy of non-alignment. While he African centered foreign policy was reiterated
maintained good relationship with the West by Tafawa Balewa in his speech at the United
represented by the United States of America and Nations on October 8, 1960, few days after
Britain, he was hostile to the Eastern bloc Nigeria‟s independence. In his speech, Balewa
represented by the Soviet Union. It was informed his audience thus:
observed that on most international issues like
the Berlin crisis of 1962, the American nuclear So far I have concentrated on the problems of
test of 1962, the Vietnam conflict, the Prime Africa. Please do not think that we are not
Minister leaned towards the West. The only interested in the problems of the rest of the
exception was Nigeria‟s decision to break world; we are intensely interested in them and
diplomatic ties with France in protest of nuclear hope to be allowed to assist in finding solutions
tests carried out by France in the Sahara. to them through this organization, but being
human we are naturally concerned first with
When Tafawa Balewa assumed office as the what affects our immediate neighbourhood
first Prime Minister of independent Nigeria in (Tafawa Balewa’s speech at the UN, Oct., 8,
1960, he outlined what Asogwa (2009) called 1960).
“broad principles” of Nigeria‟s foreign policy.
The fundamental principles of Nigeria‟s foreign He frowned at the West and East bloc nations
policy under Tafawa Balewa, according to using Africa as a battlefield for ideological
Asogwa (2009) are: wars. This came on the heels of the Congo
crisis. He was of the opinion that African
 Promotion of Nigeria‟s national interest and nations are capable of playing their required
world peace roles in the comity of nations only when the
 Pursuance of the policy of neutrality and developed and industrialized nations stop
non-alignment fermenting crisis in African states on the basis
of ideology (Asogwa, 2009).

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

It is instructive to note that the evolution of principles, even though she maintained a special
Nigeria‟s foreign policy as an independent relationship with Britain and other western
sovereign nation dates back to Balewa‟s countries. Her economic relationship was more
administration from 1960. It can therefore be with the west as she maintained an unfriendly
stated that Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa set attitude with the Eastern bloc countries
the principles of Nigeria‟s policy which has represented by the Soviet Union and China. The
served as the compass for successive Nigerian government laid emphasis on the maintenance
governments, even though he recorded minimal of regional and international peace and security,
success. and respect of sovereign equality of states. This
is a factor that motivated her active role in the
OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN establishment of the Organization of African
POLICY SINCE INDEPENDENCE Unity (OAU). After the military coup of 1966
Since independence, Nigeria‟s foreign policy that saw the collapse of the first republic, critics
has been characterised by a focus on Africa and argued that the government was too pro-west,
by attachment to several fundamental principles. and ignored to lay a strong framework for
These are: African unity and independence; decolonization and integration.
peaceful settlement of disputes; non alignment According to Alli-Balogun, there was a distinct
and non-interference in the internal affairs of break in Nigeria‟s foreign policy during the civil
other nations; and regional economic war of 1967-1970 as the primary concern of the
cooperation and development (Ogoke, 1993). government was to preserve the unity of the
Nigeria hoped to achieve the above objective country. After the civil war, the country re-
through her membership of, and participation in assessed her relationship with both eastern and
the United Nations Organisation (UNO), the western bloc countries. She maintained a more
Commonwealth of Nations, the Non-aligned pro- East and less pro-West stance considering
Movement, the Organisation of African Unity the support given to her by the Soviet Union
(now AU) and the Economic Community of after the West refused to provide arms to the
West African States (ECOWAS). country during the civil war. At the same time,
Several issues have dominated Nigeria‟s foreign Africa remained the centre-piece of the
policy across various governments since country‟s foreign policy as attention was
independence in 1960 with each government focused on the liberation of Southern Africa, the
having distinctive priorities and style. This integration of ECOWAS, and the need for
means that the country‟s foreign policy has complete economic independence throughout
been pursued within broad conceptual Africa. The establishment of Economic
framework since independence. Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
was one of the great achievements of Nigeria in
As earlier indicated, that framework situated regional policy.
Africa at the fulcrum of Nigeria‟s pre-
occupation and around which rotate other This informed Onyisi‟s (2011: 18) position that
spokes of its relation with other countries. In “in the mid and late 1970s attention focused on
effect, Nigeria's behaviour accorded due recognition the liberation of Southern Africa, on the
to the totality of Africa's needs and expectations integration of ECOWAS, and on the need for
in the formulation and implementation of her complete economic independence throughout
foreign policy in a framework that ensures that Africa.” During the period between 1976 and
Africa remains a natural habitat in which 1979, Nigeria‟s foreign policy was reviewed.
Nigeria can exercise direct 'influence in the The country pursued an independent and non-
pursuit of her national goals and objectives. aligned foreign policy dictated neither by the
east nor by the west. This was as a result of
It is therefore right to say that despite the pressure from Britain that Nigeria should follow
vicissitudes of the political fortunes in Nigeria, the diplomatic vogue and continue a policy of
successive governments from the Balewa non-alignment.
administration have outlined the fundamental
principles of Nigeria‟s foreign policy within the After reviewing Nigeria‟s position on the Non-
African agenda. Aligned Movement, Ayah posits that a salient
factor that influenced Nigeria to review her
During the Tafawa Balewa‟s administration foreign policy and adopt the policy of non-
between 1960 and 1965, Nigeria‟s foreign alignment was the non-aligned movement itself.
policy had non-alignment as one of its guiding According to him, small and weak nations saw

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

the goals and potentialities of the movement so alliance with and routine political support for
attractive. Such goals as military the West (capitalist) or the East (communist) in
disengagement, freedom from entangling the post-World War II international System. The
alliances, peace in a polarised world, security of conscious rejection of any form of alliance,
members and reduction of level of conflicts in particularly formal military or political alliance,
East-West relations all were attractive to Nigeria constituted an important feature of Nigeria‟s
(Ayah, 1998). foreign policy. Consequently, during the entire
period of the Cold War, Nigeria successfully
Another external pressure on Nigeria came from
resisted joining either the Eastern or the Western
the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which
bloc of nations in their ideological struggle for
urged its members to join the non-aligned
power and influence. This policy was adopted
movement. In the movement African issues
by Nigeria and other newly independent states
became dominant, especially issues like
of Africa and Asia to help promote international
decolonisation, racial discrimination, neo-
peace and security in view of the Cold War
colonialism and imperialism.
conflict between the two super power blocs of
Salau and Fawole contend that the principle of NATO and Warsaw Pact.
non-alignment formally characterized the
In Ray Ofoegbu‟s view, Nigeria favours the
foreign policy up to 1993, but in practice, it was
principle of non-alignment because it makes her
rather the opposite. From their point of view, the
more assertive and boosts her foreign policy
Murtala-Obasanjo regime, despite the non-
objective of being a regional power. The
aligned posture, identified more with socialist
principle discourages dependency in foreign
states and openly confronted the capitalist
policy by asserting the right to define and
world. The Shagari and Babangida
exercise options in international affairs free
administrations embraced western states, and
from ideological impediments, and helps in the
Babangida even put up an economic diplomacy
shattering of unhealthy colonial ties and orients
that would engage western investments in the
the country, to develop new relations toward
domestic economy. The Abacha regime
developing countries with whom Nigeria would
effectively ended the era of alignment with the
likely share a wider scope of common concern
west, as it began to show a bias for the isolated
(Ofoegbu, 1998).
nations of the Middle East and socialist bloc
from 1995 (Fawole, 2004). However, scholars like Philip and Anglin
perceive that Nigeria was not as non- aligned as
However, Obasanjo‟s administration identified
it claimed on paper. The Balewa administration
with the course of non- alignment, but by this
was considered to be pro- West and anti-East in
time there had been a momentous questioning
its policies. These pro-West images were
surrounding the continued relevance of non-
possibly a result of Nigeria‟s colonial
alignment in the face of globalisation
experience, during which educated Nigerians
orchestrated by the west and more controversial
were socialized into western values (Philips,
was whether the nation had ever been truly non-
1964). In addition, Nigerians were nurtured in
aligned. The nature of the capitalist economic
all aspects of western life, albeit primarily of the
development from the 1990s to date of some of
British variety during the colonial period. The
the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned
policy actions commonly cited to substantiate
Movement (NAM), such as Indonesia and
the claim that Balewa was pro-West were
Egypt; and the socialist economic development
summarized by Anglin (1964: 54) as
of some of its founding members further raised
the need for a refocusing of the Non-Aligned Delaying the establishment of diplomatic
Movement (Ojo and Sessay, 2001). relations with the Soviet Union; imposing
restrictions on the size of the Soviet mission in
From the 1990s to date, Nigeria‟s foreign policy
Lagos, on travel to Soviet bloc countries
has been centered on Economic Diplomacy and
(especially study), and on the importation of
Citizen Diplomacy.
Soviet literature; discouraging Soviet bloc aid
PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF and trade; proposing a “two China” policy and
NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY supporting India in its dispute with China.
The first principle of Nigerian foreign policy is The reasons he outlined were Balewa‟s
the policy of non-alignment. It is a foreign conclusion of a defence pact with Britain,
policy principle which rejects formal military permitting the establishment of “secret NATO
radio station” in the country, refusing to attend

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

the Belgrade Conference of Non-Aligned The global community and African Union‟s
Nations, adopting a policy of silence on Cuba presence in Sudan is, for instance, the case of
and Berlin, and the resumption of U.S. nuclear intervention which the United Nations tacitly
tests. The other policies were collaborating with sanctions (UN Charter, 1945). The case of
the neo-colonialists in the Congo and opposing interference however has been the US invasion
the Union of African States (Anglin, 1964). of Iraq in 2003 with the purported mandate to
Although the Balewa administration later “free Iraq and establish a democratic
reversed some of these policies, the initial anti- government of the people. (Rosati, 2006: 78)
communist policies created doubts as to its
Nigeria upholds this principle of non-
sincerity in the espousal of a non-aligned policy
interference as it relates to its West African
on East-West issues.
counterparts. It has not had a case of undue
The second principle is the legal equality of interference in the affairs of other African states,
states. This principle is aimed at protecting the but has intervened at critical moments on many
small and underdeveloped countries like Nigeria occasions. Among such instances were the
and other African countries, which are highly unilateral and subsequent multilateral
susceptible to control, domination and coercion intervention in the Liberian crisis from 1990 to
by powerful and industrialized states. Nigeria the restoration of democratic rule in 2005, and
also believes in this principle because of her her intervention in the Sierra Leonean crisis.
conviction that a well-ordered and peaceful Other cases of Nigeria‟s legitimate intervention
community at both regional and universal levels were the resolution of the political crisis in
requires mutual and reciprocal respect for the Gambia by the Obasanjo administration,
views and interests of all national actors. containment of the military attempt to dislodge
Nigeria is highly committed to this principle. the democratic government of Sao Tome and
Principe, the solution of the Cote d‟Ivoire
The principle of legal equality of all states has
conflict and the diplomatic resolution of the
been justified not simply in terms of the fear of
Togo and Congo crises in the early 2000s.
underdeveloped countries like Nigeria being left
in the periphery in the determination of world The fourth principle is that of multilateralism,
affairs, but also, and more importantly, in terms that is membership of international
of allaying the fears of small and weaker organisations such as the United Nations,
African states. The principle underscores the Commonwealth of Nations. African Union,
assumption that all states are equal in the comity Economic Community of West African States,
of nations with equal opportunity to advance etc. Nigeria was an ardent and active promoter
their views and interests through the media of and participant in multilateral diplomacy. This
international organisations. accounts for Nigeria eagerly joining and
belonging to several international organisations.
The third principle is the principle of non-
Nigeria‟s policy makers believe that there is
interference in the domestic affairs of other
safety in number and thus had no reluctance in
states. Related to the principle of legal equality
belonging and participating in these
of states or respect for the independence and
organisations. They also believe that
sovereignty of states was Nigeria‟s avowed
membership of these international organisations
commitment to noninterference in the national
will enable Nigeria pursue her interest and
affairs of other nations. This was particularly
contribute to the common goals of the
emphasized to draw attention, and distinguish
organization.
Nigerian leaders as different from the leadership
of those countries that are known for meddling The fifth principle is that Africa is the centre-
in the affairs of other countries. piece of Nigerian foreign policy. This is an
important principle that has guided Nigerian
It is however noted by Rosati (2006) that non-
foreign policy since independence. The
interference is not the same as non-intervention.
principle emphasized Nigeria‟s commitment to
According to the duo, interference itself literally
the decolonization of Africa. Thus anti-
means an unwelcome involvement of an
apartheid and liberation groups found in Nigeria
external or a second party in the national affairs
the most committed and faithful ally throughout
of a sovereign state. Intervention, however, is an
their respective struggles for freedom and
acceptable development in international politics
independence. Therefore, in the pursuit of this
to help a state restore peace or to save a nation
afro-centric foreign policy, Nigeria has assisted
from an internal crisis that is becoming
liberation movements in various parts of the
externalized or of a huge humanitarian concern.

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

continent, thereby dismantling the last vestiges state in the international system (Russet & Stair,
of colonialism. Besides, Nigeria has shown 1992: 84-85).
commitment in the implementation of this
Nigeria‟s foreign policy objectives are a
policy through efforts at peaceful resolution of
reflection of the country‟s national interest.
conflicts in the continent and the championing
Every foreign policy, is a dynamic process that
of the struggle to uplift the socio-economic
is determined by the domestic needs and
wellbeing of the African people through
aspirations of the country, coupled with certain
continental programmes, such as the New
practical economic, political and socio-cultural
Partnership for African Development (NEPAD)
forces in the international environment (Njoku
and African Development Bank (ADB) assisted
and Nwafor, 2006). Therefore, the major goal of
sustainable economic development programme
Nigeria‟s foreign policy is to protect and to
(Njoku and Nwafor, 2006).
promote the country's national interest. The
Although some of these principles, such as objectives of Nigeria‟s foreign policy are
decolonization and non-alignment are no longer enshrined in Chapter 2, Section 19 of the 1999
as relevant as they were in the 1960s and 1970s, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
quite a number of other principles remain both under the rubric of Fundamental Objectives and
relevant and crucial for any nation that seeks to Directive Principles of State Policy. These
preserve and protect its sovereignty and objectives are:
independence and remain a respectable member
promotion and protection of the National
of the international community.
interest; promotion of African integration and
In most analyses of Nigerian foreign policy, support for African unity; promotion of
Nigeria‟s national interests have- either not been international cooperation for the consolidation
clearly identified or have not been adequately of universal peace and mutual respect among all
looked at. This is because there is vague nations and elimination of
conception of successive political leaderships of discrimination in all its ramifications; respect
the country about what constitutes Nigeria's for international law and treaty obligations as
national interests, or the leaders have not been well as the seeking of settlement of international
careful enough to differentiate between disputes by negotiation, mediation,
articulation of Nigeria‟s national interests and reconciliation and adjudication; and promotion
the actualization of national interests. Foreign of a just world economic order. (The 1999
policy objectives are a comprehensive plan and Constitution)
goal values that, a country intends to achieve as
Although guided by the same general principles,
it relates with other members of the world.
Otubanjo (1989) observed that the various
Corroborating this, Obi (2006) said that foreign
regimes that have governed Nigeria since
policy objectives concern the goal- values that a
independence have not necessarily shared the
state aspires to attain in its external relations.
same perception of the international system or
The objectives are also referred to as the state‟s
conceptualization of Nigeria‟s role in it, nor of
national interest. On their part, Russet and Stair
the strategies for attaining her foreign policy
(1992) categorized Foreign policy objectives
objectives. Inspite of their declaration of non-
into core, middle range and long range
partisanship in the ideological conflict between
objectives. According to the duo,
East and West, successive Nigerian
Core values are the foreign policy aims that are governments have shown a clear preference for
related to the survival of the state and its relation with the western powers and an
citizens. The protection of the sovereign and antipathy towards the Eastern bloc. According
territorial integrity of the nation and, the lives to Otubanjo, “all have professed non-alignment,
and property of Nigerians at home and abroad although most have tilted more to the West than
remain the cardinal values that constitute the to the East and all declare aspirations for a just
national interest. Middle range objectives within international economic order and global peace.”
the framework of Nigeria’s foreign policy (Otubanjo,1989: 10). It is instructive to note
include such broad matters as economic here that Nigeria‟s foreign policy objectives
development and social welfare, promotion of have since been reinforced by the
international cooperation, respect for recommendations of the military-appointed
fundamental rights and mutual respect among Adedeji Committee on the Review of Nigeria‟s
nations. On the other hand, long range Foreign Policy. These objectives not only served
objectives are the dreams and aspirations of the Nigeria‟s national interest, but were also a

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

guideline which Nigeria‟s foreign policy actors market during this period.
conformed to and regarded as principles guiding
This informs Okoro‟s position that:
Nigeria‟s leadership role in Africa. It is however
uncertain whether Nigeria appreciates to be an The sudden increase in the prices of oil in the
effective leader in Africa. world market in the 1970s gave Nigeria a
leverage which it did not possess in the first
DETERMINANTS OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN decade of independence. More importantly,
POLICY Nigeria was able to determine its own foreign
Looking at the history of Nigeria‟s foreign policy independent of external influences. Put
policy, there is no doubt that we can recognize differently, the growth of the country’s economy
two major important determinants or factors that arising from the oil boom strengthened its
have consistently influenced Nigeria's foreign position in relation with developed countries.
policy orientations. These are internal and For instance, Nigeria’s foreign policy in Angola
external factors, both of which have played and the subsequent recognition of the MPLA as
some considerable roles in the determination of the legitimate government of Angola, the
Nigeria‟s relations with the international nationalization of Barclays Bank and the British
community. This agrees with Northedge‟s Petroleum because of the British support of the
(1968) argument that the foreign policy of any apartheid policy in South Africa, Nigeria’s role
state is a product of environmental factors both in the Chadian conflict as well as the strong
internal and external to it. North edge argues material and moral support to the Liberation
that every state has these two factors Movements Southern Africa, were influenced by
conditioning her foreign policy from conception Nigeria’s improved economy, largely
to formulation and implementation. occasioned by the oil boom (Okoro, 2002: 15).

DOMESTIC FACTORS It can therefore be clearly stated that the role of

oil in Nigeria‟s foreign policy cannot be
Ibrahim Gambari has argued that there is direct underestimated. However, faced with weak
relationship between domestic politics and economy after the oil boom in the 1970s,
foreign policy formulation in Nigeria. Nigeria was unable to meet her domestic and
According to him, the conduct of political international obligations. Okoro (2002) gives a
business invariably affects the conduct of clearer picture of the implication of this on
foreign policy (Gambari, 1981). The domestic Nigeria‟s foreign policy. He argues thus:
factors which include the country‟s economy,
the personality and character of her leaders, Nigeria’s economic downturn and the heavy
geography, pressure groups and the country‟s debt burden from the 1980s to present have two
constitution has great influence on the major implications on Nigeria's foreign policy.
perception, formulation and implementation of First, Nigeria’s foreign policy is limited in
Nigeria‟s foreign policy. The economic fortune scope because of limited financial resources
of Nigeria, especially in the 1970s, influenced needed for the implementation of foreign policy
the tempo of her foreign adventures. The oil decisions; second is Nigeria’s lack of freedom to
boom of the 1970s motivated Nigeria‟s formulate independent foreign policy, especially
commitment to the decolonization and liberation one that is at variance with the interest of
struggles in Africa. This is in line with foreign investors (Okoro, 2002: 16)
Soremekun‟s assertion that oil is the major As a result of this weak economic situation,
driving force of Nigeria‟s foreign policy Nigeria was forced to rely on World Bank and
(Soremekun, 2003). Okoro (200 2) was also the International Monetary Fund (IMF) thereby
quick to point out the relevance of oil in exposing Nigeria to indebtedness. In his paper,
Nigeria‟s foreign policy. According to him, “by Economic Factors in Nigeria‟s Foreign Policy,
the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970, the Fafowora clearly underscores the implications
boom in the country's oil industry not only of Nigeria‟s reliance on the World Bank and
accelerated the economic growth rate, but also IMF for economic turnaround.
greatly enhanced its potential standing on the
international arena” (Okoro, 2002: 14). By He points out that:
1975, Nigeria had a strong economic base for The direct intervention of the World Bank and
development and political leverage in her IMF in the Nigerian economy also has serious
external relations. This was as a result of the implications for the conduct of Nigeria’s
increase in the price of oil in the world oil external relations. Severe limitations are

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

inherently placed on the conduct of Nigeria’s get all these lost in a political union” (Adeyemo,
relations by our massive foreign debt owed 2002: 59).
largely to the Western bloc countries. How can
The role of pressure groups in the formulation
Nigeria now truly pursue an independent and
of Nigeria‟s foreign policy cannot be
non-aligned policy when its economy is also
underestimated. Pressure groups are organized
closely tied to the Western bloc countries, how
associations with numerical and financial
can it confront those Western bloc nations to
strength that operate to obtain favourable
which it is so deeply indebted? (Fafowora,
policies from the government (Opere, 1983).
1990: 477)
They exert influence on government and affect
Ake (1983) attributed Nigeria‟s economic foreign policy formulation in Nigeria.
decline which resulted in her reliance on the
In the first republic administration of Tafawa
western financial institutions for economic
Balewa, some pressure groups attempted to
development to pandemic corruption,
exert some influence on Prime Minister
mismanagement of the Country‟s resources,
Balewa‟s foreign policy. Okoro (2002: 18)
political instability and poor economic policies.
states that:
This made Nigeria to become hugely indebted
and emerge as a rentier state which Western Their interests and demands were as varied in
countries exploited the situation to their scope and in intensity. In the Congo crisis, for
advantage. example, (which was the first foreign policy
issue of the Balewa administration) the
Under the personality and character of her
remarkable divergence of the views of the
leaders, it is believed that whatever a regime
political parties, notably the three major parties
does in terms of domestic or external relations is
- NCNC, AG and NPC reflected ethnic divisions
more or less a reflection of the Chief Executive
and interests within the Nigerian society. Other
of the State. The field of foreign affairs is often
interest groups, such as the trade unions,
regarded as the special preserve of the President
student organisations, academics, etc who were
(Coleman, 1963). The foreign policy of Nigeria
critical of government’s Congo policy, based
from independence till date can be said to have
their criticisms on their perceptions and
reflected to a very large extent the character of
interpretation of the problem.
her leaders. In foreign policy formulation,
“decision makers in most cases allow their Okoro cited one notable pressure group that
personal backgrounds, experiences, motivations, always tried to influence government economic
learning, values, prejudices, positions, policies, the Manufacturers‟ Association of
privileges, interpersonal relations and Nigeria (MAN). Their foreign policy position,
perceptions to influence the making and conduct according to him, has been based on the belief
of foreign policy” (Okoro, 2002: 25). The in self-reliance which was aimed at influencing
ideology of these leaders has tremendous government decisions on imports that could
influence on the foreign policies of their states. hinder the growth of their infant industries. It is
“For example, where rulers are militants, one pertinent to say here that the efficacy of pressure
can expect a radical foreign policy stance from groups is not quite clear, but because their belief
their states. Murtala Mohammed of Nigeria is a and interests are generally shared by the national
typical example. But where the rulers are interest of self-reliance as a condition for
conservative with aristocratic background like economic development, the policy decisions on
Balewa, a moderate and cautious foreign policy foreign economic issues may appear to reflect
can be expected.” (Adeyemo, 2002: 69) their views. However, a closer study of pressure
groups as a factor in foreign policy formulation
Geography is another determining factor in
indicates that pressure groups do not have much
Nigeria‟s foreign policy. Nigeria is the most
influence on foreign policy like they do in
populous country in Africa and the most
domestic policies because foreign policy
populous black state in the world. As the most
decisions are made in secrecy. Foreign policy
populous country in the continent of Africa,
decisions do not result in one group within the
“Nigeria‟s foreign policy makers have been
population gaining at the expense of others.
consistently passive and cautious about African
political unity partly because many African Nigeria‟s constitution is also a visible factor that
states may not be willing to surrender their hard- has influenced foreign policy formulation since
won sovereignty and partly because Nigeria as independence in 1960. A constitution is a body
„giant‟ in size and population would not want to of rules, regulations, customs and principles,

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

which states how a nation should be governed. It East. In order not to be caught in the web of any
gives power to the government and places political confusion, Nigeria adopted a foreign
limitation on the power. The Nigerian policy principle of non-alignment, that is, the
constitution states in clear terms what the country was neither pro-West nor pro-East.
country‟s foreign policy behaviour should be. It
As a principle of foreign policy of states,
sets a broad outline of Nigeria‟s foreign
members of the Non-Aligned! Movement (NAM)
relations. Under the Fundamental Objectives
like Nigeria believed in a policy of
and Directive Principles of State Policy, the
independence based on peaceful co-existence,
Nigerian constitution specifies the foreign
non-participation in military alliances such as
policy objectives of Nigeria. Nigeria is also a
the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
signatory to many international treaties which
and Warsaw Treaty Organization (Warsaw
are automatically part of the country‟s
Pact), support for liberation movements and
municipal law. These treaties also shape her
refusal to the Great Powers of facilities for the
foreign policy formulation and implementation.
establishment of military bases on the soil of the
EXTERNAL FACTORS NAM” (Idang 1973: 231).
The external factors are those factors from During the Cold War of the 1960s and 70s,
outside the domestic environment which affects these principles were exhibited in Nigeria‟s
the formulation of Nigeria‟s foreign policy. foreign policy behavior, even though they were
They include Nigeria s colonial heritage, the ignored at some points. The Nigerian
Cold War and Non-Alignment and Multilateral government under Prime Minister Tafawa
Relations. Balewa maintained a closer relationship with the
West, even to the point of signing the Anglo-
The country‟s colonial heritage has affected, to Nigerian Defence Pact in 1960 (Aluko, 1981).
a large extent, her relationship with other Balewa‟s government was thus considered to be
countries in the international community. The
pro-West and anti-East policies. Philips (1964)
government of Sir Tafawa Balewa in the first
believes that these pro-West images were
republic was very friendly with the West due to possibly as a result of Nigeria‟s colonial
Nigeria‟s colonial relationship with Britain, experience, during which educated Nigerians
even though the government declared a foreign were socialized into Western values. The policy
policy of non-alignment. This pro-West foreign
actions commonly cited to substantiate the claim
policy posture lasted until after the Nigerian that Balewa was pro-West were summarized by
civil war when the Soviet Union made a positive Anglin (1964) as:
impact on Nigeria-Soviet relations after
agreeing to supply arms to Nigeria for the delaying the establishment of diplomatic
prosecution of the war. On the continental level, relations with the Soviet Union; imposing
Nigeria maintains a robust relationship with restrictions on the size of the Soviet mission in
countries that share common colonial heritage Lagos, on travel to East bloc countries
with the Anglophone countries. There are some (especially for study), and on the importation of
writers who have argued that the colonial communist literature: discouraging Soviet bloc
history of any state is the major determinant of aid and trade; proposing a “two China” policy
her foreign policy. Thus, Okunu (1971) asserts and supporting India in its dispute with China;
quite conclusively that the foreign policy of any Balewa's conclusion of a defence pact with
state in the continent of Africa is the function of Britain, permitting the establishment of "secret
her colonial history. Even though Nigeria NATO radio station in the country; refusing to
maintains cordial bilateral relations with attend the Belgrade Conference of Non-Aligned
countries of the East bloc, she has maintained a Nations; adopting a policy of silence on Cuba
more robust relationship with the West than the and Berlin and the resumption of US nuclear
East due to her capitalist orientation which is tests (Anglin. 1964: 248).
part of her colonial heritage. We can therefore, argue in this paper that
The Cold War and Non-Alignment played a Nigeria‟s legacy as a former British colony,
significant role as a factor that influenced combined with her energy-producing role in the
Nigeria‟s foreign policy at the foundation of global economy, predisposed Nigeria to be pro-
Nigeria‟s foreign policy. During the period of Western on most issues of her foreign policy,
Nigeria‟s independence in 1960, the despite the desire to maintain a non-aligned
international community was polarized between status.
two political ideologies in the West and the

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

Finally, Nigeria’s multilateral relations have a universe, of cultural neighbourhood, of shared

prominent position in Nigeria’s foreign policy. historical experiences and the ideas of pan-
The country’s membership in, and commitment Africanism further lubricated the wheels of this
to, several international organisations such as foreign policy conceptualization.
the United Nations, the African Union, the Under the framework of an African-centered
Commonwealth of Nations etc. affected her foreign policy, Nigeria got involved in the
foreign policy position. decolonization struggles of Angola,
Mozambique, Namibia and antiapartheid
AFROCENTRIC PRINCIPLE AND NIGERIA’S struggles in South Africa and in the process
FOREIGN POLICY earning for her the appellation a “frontline
Nigeria‟s Afrocentric foreign policy is as old as nation”, even though she was geographically far
the Nigerian state itself. The notion that Nigeria removed from the theatre of the struggles which
was destined to lead the African continent and was in the Southern African region. Nigeria is
champion the cause of black people all over the central to the formation of Economic
world actually predates her independence in Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
1960. This conviction has remained strong in 1975. Nigeria has contained the breakdown of
almost fifty four years after independence. social order in many West African States
Perhaps the explanation for this tenacity is to be through her world acknowledged peacekeeping
found in the leadership role conception which expertise, and provided economic life wire to
most Nigerians, including the political elite, less economically resourceful countries.
have about the country. The sources of this As indicated earlier, the belief that Nigeria
conception are obvious enough and relate to the would play a crucial leadership role in Africa
country‟s often-repeated demographic through her Afrocentric foreign policy principle
preponderance, her economic and natural had predated independence. National and anti-
endowments, and her staggering human colonial leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe who
resources (Obadare. 2001). later emerged as the first Nigerian President,
Prior to Nigeria‟s independence in 1960, had contended that “it should be the manifest
Nigeria‟s African leadership potential was destiny of Nigeria to join hands with other
anticipated internationally and locally. Foremost progressive forces in the world to emancipate
Nigerian nationalist and first president, Nnamdi not only the people of Africa but also other
Azikiwe, referred to Nigeria as “Nigeria- peoples, of African descent from the scourge of
Africa,” a symbolism of Nigeria's inseparability colonialism” (Azikiwe, 1961).
from African interest, and in January 1960, Beyond the rhetoric of connectedness of
Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa noted Nigeria‟s Nigeria‟s identity and position of influence to
aspirations: “Nigeria will have a wonderful the destiny and importance of Africa in global
opportunity to speak for the continent of matters, section 19 of the fl979 Constitution
Africa.” (Wayas 1979: 76) mandated Nigeria to “promote African unity, as
The idea of Afrocentrism in Nigeria‟s foreign well as the total social and cultural liberation of
policy is premised on the understanding that Africa and people of African birth Upscent
Nigeria‟s engagement in the international throughout the world.” The current 1999
system will be looked at through the binoculars Constitution reaffirms such commitment.
of Africa. As Hon. Aja Wachukwu averred on Analysts like Ibrahim Gambari and Kenneth
the imperative of an Afrocentric policy, “charity Meagher have however seen this Afrocentric
begins at home and therefore any Nigerian foreign policy posture of Nigeria as a wake-up
foreign policy that does not take into call to the continent to accept the nation‟s
consideration the peculiar position of Africa is benevolent hegemony (Gambara, 2008;
unrealistic.” This enunciation is the Meagher, 2008).
philosophical origins of Afrocentrism in Among the leadership role envisaged for
Nigeria‟s foreign policy thought. The issues that Nigeria‟s adoption of Afrocentric foreign policy
gave practical expression to this African- were the liberation of the African continent from
centeredness were the remnants of colonialism imperialism of all kinds, fighting apartheid and
on the African continent, apartheid in South racism in Southern Africa and in the Diaspora,
Africa, liberation wars, ideological and proxy uniting Africans to make their voice loud
conflicts among others. Outside these politically enough in global politics and using enormous
pressing factors, the issue of shared racial resources of the country to: assist needy African

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

states (Ojiako, 1981, Saliu, 1999). In addition, politics, much is yet expected of Nigeria today
studies conducted by Akinbobola, Nweke and by African states.
others have discussed the demands and
In summary, it can be rightly argued that
expectations emerging for Nigeria in Africa as a
Nigeria‟s Afrocentric foreign policy evolved as
result of her Afrocentric foreign policy. These
an extension of Pan-Africanism which aimed at
demands include regional security, combating
promoting and defending an African agenda to
increasing poverty, diseases and
end colonialism and racist regimes, achieve
underdevelopment (Akinbobola, 2000; Nweke,
unity, stability and sustainable development in
2000), neo-colonialism (Akindele. 1998)
Africa.
growing indebtedness to the West (Saliu, 1991;
Olusanya, 1989). CONCLUSION
This informs Aluko‟s, rationalization of Africa The discussion on the evolution of Nigeria‟s
as the centre-piece of Nigeria‟s foreign policy. foreign policy was divided into two, namely.
He maintains that: The pre-independence (colonial) and post-
Using Africa as the centre-piece of Nigeria is independence (post-colonial) periods. During
rationalized on the basis that Nigeria is better the pre-independence period i.e. (1914-1960),
positioned in Africa to identify with and defend Nigeria was still under the colonial rule of the
the legitimate interest of Africa than any other British government, and the interest of the
British was the interest of Nigeria. In other
nation. The assumption has been that the
independence of Nigeria would be meaningless words, Nigeria‟s pre-independence foreign
policy was controlled by the British to serve
if it does not lead to the total liberation of all
African states. Nigeria had wished to use her their interest.
population, size and resources as advantage to The post-independence Nigeria witnessed the
contribute and facilitate the collective interest of formation of a truly indigenous foreign policy
Africa and this mandate was consummated as that was truly called Nigerian foreign policy. It
Nigeria’s historic mission (Aluko, 1981, 265). is not wrong, therefore, to state that the
With this therefore, Nigeria arrogates to herself evolution of Nigeria‟s foreign policy can be
the responsibility of catering for the well-being traced to when the country got her independence
of Africans wherever they may be. Saliu (1999) as a sovereign state. Nigeria‟s foreign policy
since independence has been pursued within the
states that it is acknowledged that the well-being
of the African continent is intricately tied to framework that ensures that Africa remains the
Nigeria‟s. He justifies it with references to natural habitat in which Nigeria can exercise
Nigeria‟s swift response to the Congo crises in direct influence in the pursuit of her national
goals and objectives.
1960-62, a few; months after independence; her
intervention in Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, It is evident that since independence, Nigeria
Uganda etc. has aspired to occupy the centre stage of African
The country also led various campaigns against affairs, using her resources, influence and power
racist regimes and their western sponsors, to achieve this aspiration and further her
national interest, especially in the West African
notably offering technical, financial, material
and general diplomatic support to anti-racist sub-region. In Nigeria‟s existence as a sovereign
movements. These initiatives helped in the state, the influence the country wields through
establishment of majority rule in South Africa the instrumentality of foreign policy which
and Zimbabwe, decolonization of Angola, seeks to promote and protect her national
interest can better be assessed within the context
Namibia, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe
(Akinterinwa, 2005) of regional and continental leadership
aspiration.
Nigeria believes that her independence would be
incomplete as long as any other African state In the implementation of her foreign policy,
was under colonialism. Nigeria supported Nigeria adopted five principles. These principles
revolutionary struggles for independence, fought are: (i) the policy of non-alignment which
apartheid to a standstill and was relentless in rejects formal military alliance with the
distributing financial assistance to needy capitalist West or the communist East; (ii) the
principle of legal equality of states which is
African states. Akinyemi (2005) and other
scholars including Saliu (1999), however, aimed at protecting the small and
contend, that going by her pedigree in African underdeveloped states; (iii) the principle of non-
interference in the domestic affairs of other

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The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives

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Citation: Dr. Joseph C. Ebegbulem., “The Evolution of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: From the Pre-
Independence and Post-Independence Perspectives”. (2019). International Journal of Research in
Humanities and Social Studies, 6(11), pp.1-12
Copyright: © 2019 Dr. Joseph C. Ebegbulem. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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