Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Critical Review of Nigeria’s Afrocentric Policy: Rationale, Gains and Consequences

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Nigerian Foreign Policy 60 Years After Independence

  • 155 Accesses

Abstract

Foreign policy is one of the drivers and inarguably a tool for country’s relationship with other countries of the world. Immediately after independence in 1960, Nigeria was launched into the international orbit, and various foreign policy principles and objectives were adopted including the principle of Afrocentrism. Africa primarily became the centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. The evidence was seen as Nigeria began to assert its leadership role in the continent in various dimensions, such as peacekeeping mission, struggle for other Africans’ liberation from colonialism and apartheid regimes, regional integration and economic development. The hegemonic role of Nigeria contributed to the success story of the African continent. One of the rationales for Nigeria’s involvement in the affairs of Africa is largely as a result of the “manifest destiny” bequeathed to it by nature, which many of the African countries have benefited from. Ironically, one will suggest that Nigeria ought to have been the natural leader of Africa; unfortunately, the country cannot boost of having inroad in the political, economic and socio-cultural space of Africa amid its altruist contribution and generosity. This is a pointer to the fact that Nigeria’s foreign policy has been driven in disregard to a defined national interest. Hence, the chapter recommends that the country’s foreign policy and Afrocentric policy in particular must reflect on its domestic policy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adebajo, A., & Mustapha, A. R. (Eds.). (2008). Gulliver’s troubles: Nigeria’s foreign policy after the cold war. University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Agaba, H., & Ukhami, E. (2019). Issues in international relations (2nd ed.). True Image Global Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akinboye, S. O. (2013). Beautiful abroad but ugly at home: Issues and contradictions in Nigeria’s foreign policy. University of Lagos Inaugural Lecture Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akinterinwa, B. (2005). Nigeria and permanent membership of the United Nations security council: Dynamics and definition. In B. Akinterinwa (Ed.), Nigeria and the United Nations Security Council. Vintage Publishers Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akinyemi, B. A. (1987). Reciprocity in Nigerian foreign policy (the Akinyemi doctrine). Nigerian Forum, 6, 1–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alao, A. (2011). Nigeria and the global powers: Continuity and change in foreign policy and perceptions. Occasional paper, no. 96, p. 21, SAIIA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amao, B. O., & Okeke-Ozodike, U. (2015, September). Nigeria, Afrocentrism, and conflict resolution: After five decades – how far, how well? African Studies Quarterly, 15(4), 299–319.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asobie, H. A. (2007). Nigeria’s National Interest in a globalizing world: A theoretical perspective. In B. Akinterinwa (Ed.), Nigeria’s National Interests in a Globalising world. Bolytag International Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayitogo, N. (2018). Buhari speaks on Benue killings. Premium Times. Retrieved from: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/254356-buhari-speaks-benue-killings.html.

  • Babangida, I. B. (1990). Transcript of interview, West Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Badiora, A. I. (2015). Regional differences and developmental implications of security challenges in Nigeria: The case of kidnapping. Journal of African Security Review, 24(1), 55–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balewa, T. A. (1960, October 7). Maiden general assembly statement at the United Nations. Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chukwuokolo, J. C. (2009). Afrocentrism or eurocentrism: The dilemma of African development. A New Journal of African Studies, 6, 24–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conyers, J. (2004). The evolution of Africology: An Afrocentric appraisal. Journal of Black Studies, 34(5), 640–652.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dauda, M., Ahmad, M. Z. B., & Keling, M. F. (2019, June). Foreign policy and Afrocentricism: An appraisal of Nigeria’s role. Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, 5(1), 107–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ebegbulem, C. J. (2019). Nigeria’s National Interest and foreign policy: A critical evaluation. International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies, 6(10), 49–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebohon, S., & Obakhedo, N. (2012). Nigeria and regional economic reconstruction. European Journal of Social Sciences, 29(1), 160–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fawole, W. A. (2003). Nigeria’s external relations and foreign policy under military rule, 1960–1999. Obafemi Awolowo University Press Ltd..

    Google Scholar 

  • Flemes, D. (2007). Conceptualising regional power in international relations: Lessons from the South African case. Working Paper No. 53, Hamburg: German Institute of Global and Area Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gambari, I. A. (2011). How Nigeria can win UN’s permanent secretary seat. Vanguard 20 June. Online.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibori, M. S. (2019). Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa: The dimensions and policy options. In Y. A. Zoaka, S. Abdulhamid, & S. A. Adeniji (Eds.), Public policy and National Development in Nigeria: Essays in honour of professor Sam Amdii. Joyce Graphic Printers and Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iganga, I. O. (2013). Nigeria’s Afrocentric policy: An assessment of the principle of Africa as the Centre-piece of Nigerian foreign policy. Being a conference paper presented at the 7th Annual National Conference of the School of Arts and Social Science, College of Education Oju, held between 14th-16th August.

    Google Scholar 

  • Innocent, E. O., & Onyishi, T. O. (2014). Boko Haram and security challenges in Nigeria. Kuwait Chapter of the Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 3(11), 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jonathan, G. E. (2013, January 23). Jonathan says Africa is a High Risk Investment Region because of Prevalent Political Instability. Premium Times, 23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keohane R. O. (1984). After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kindleberger, C. (1973). The world in depression, 1929–39. In An explanation of the 1929 depression. University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lord-Mallam, N. (2016). Nigeria and United Nations security council. American International Journal of Social Science, 5(2), 93–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maduekwe, O. (2007). Time for a citizen-Centred diplomacy. Retrieved February 25, 2009 from http://www.nigerian villagesquare.org.

  • Mbachu, O. (2008). Foreign policy analysis: The Nigerian perspective. Joyce Graphic Printers and Publishers. Reprinted.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nester, W. R. (2001). International relations: Politics and economics in the 21st century. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Njoh, J. (2007). Liberia: The path to war. Spectrum Books Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nolte, D. (2010). How to Compare Regional Powers: Analytical Concepts and Research Topics. Review of International Studies, 36, 883.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nwanolue, B., & Iwuoha, V. (2012). A reflection on Nigeria’s past: Africa as the Centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy revisited. Developing Country Studies, 2(4), 76–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Obasanjo, O. A. (1978). Address at the OAU summit. Online.

    Google Scholar 

  • Obayuwana, O. (1999, September). United States senator seeks better treatment of Nigerian affairs. The Guardian Newspapers, 30, 40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogunsanwo, A. (2012). Challenges and prospects of Nigeria’s foreign policy in the 21st century. In T. Imobighe & W. Alli (Eds.), Perspectives on Nigeria’s National Politics and external relations: Essays in honour of professor A. Bolaji Akinyemi. University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogunnubi, O. & Okeke-Uzodike, U. (2016). Can Nigeria be Africa’s Hegemon? African Security Review, 25(2), 110–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2016.1147473.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ola, T. P. (2019). Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy in the twenty-first century. The IUP Journal of International Relations, XIII(4), 41–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Østerud, Ø. (1992). Regional Great Powers. In Neumann, I. (ed.). Regional Great Powers in International Politics. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osuntokun, A. (2005, June 8). Nigeria and the United Nations reforms: Service deserves its rewards. Paper presented at the National Conference on inter-group relations in Nigeria, Nassarawa State University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osunyikanmi, F. A., & Osunyikanmi, P. O. (2019). Africa as the centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy: An overview. International Journal of Development Strategies in Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, 9(2), 20–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ota, E. N., & Ecoma, C. S. (2015). Nigerian foreign policy in a globalizing world: The imperative of a paradigm shift. Journal of Asian Development, 1(1), 55–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ota, E. N., & Ecoma, C. S. (2016). Nigerian foreign policy and the democratic experiment: The lessons of history and options for the 21st century. International Journal of Applied and Advanced Scientific Research (IJAASR), Impact Factor, 1(1), 9–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rouke, J., & Boyer, M. (Eds.). (2004). International politics on the world stage. McGraw Hill Higher Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saleh, D. (2006). Nigeria’s foreign policy. Daily Graphics Nig. Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saliu, H. A. (1999). Selected themes in Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations. Sally and Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saliu, H. A. (2016). Nigerian foreign policy under the fourth republic. College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schirm, S. A. (2005). Führungsindikatoren und erklärungsvariablen für die neue internationale politik Brasiliens, Lateinamerika Analysen, 11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shagaya, J. N. (2003). Governance in Nigeria-the IBB era: An Insider’s view. Viewpoint Communications Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stikkers, K. W. (2008). An outline of methodological Afrocentrism, with particular application to the thought of W.E.B. DuBois. Journal of Speculative Philosophy, 22(1), 40–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tar, U., & Ukhami, E. (2018). Nigeria’s foreign policy in the fourth republic: Perspectives on Obasanjo and Yar’Adua administration. Pyla-mak Publisher.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ukaeje, I. (1999). Nigeria’s foreign policy and great power politics. Chinedum Publishers Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ukhami, E., & Doumbia, L. (2021). Multinational corporations, trafficking of small arms and intractable conflicts in Africa. In U. A. Tar & P. C. Onwurah (Eds.), The Palgrave handbook on small arms and conflicts in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wachukwu, J. (1960, January). Speech of the first minister of foreign affairs, in Nigerian parliament. House of Representatives Debates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wachukwu, J. A. (1961, October 10). Statement at the 16th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warner, J. (2016). Nigeria and “illusory hegemony” in foreign and security policymaking: Pax-Nigeriana and the challenges of Boko Haram. Foreign Policy Analysis, 0, 1–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wogu, P. A. I., Sholarin, A. M., & Chidozie, F. C. (2015). A Critical Evaluation of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy at 53. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(2).

    Google Scholar 

  • Yorom, G. (2010). Nigeria and the challenges of transnational security in West Africa. In C. O. Bassey & O. O. Oshita (Eds.), Governance and border security in Africa. Malthouse Press Limited.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

    Emmanuel I. Ukhami

  2. Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Nigeria

    Solomon Babatunde Kumapayi

Authors
  1. Emmanuel I. Ukhami
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Solomon Babatunde Kumapayi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Defence Studies and Documentation, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

    Usman A. Tar

  2. Department of Defence and Security Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

    Sharkdam Wapmuk

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ukhami, E.I., Kumapayi, S.B. (2023). A Critical Review of Nigeria’s Afrocentric Policy: Rationale, Gains and Consequences. In: Tar, U.A., Wapmuk, S. (eds) Nigerian Foreign Policy 60 Years After Independence. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06882-9_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation