Deeply disturbed by its own unpacking of how Nigeria looks on the global stage today, the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) is putting on the table a set of ideas by which Nigeria can retake its place in the global scheme of things. The set of ideas came in a statement signed by the president, Prof Hassan Saliu of the Department of Political Science at Nigeria’s University of Ilorin. The package titled Nigeria’s External Outlook is published unedited:
Before the return of democracy in May 1999, opinion was strong that Nigeria’s external push was rendered ineffective due to the prevailing dictatorial order at home. Specifically, the view was that the absence of democratic order was primarily responsible for the country’s limited engagement with the international community, especially Western countries.
Right to be deeply worried!
With the return of democracy and its lasting for over 25 years, the expectation was that Nigeria would enjoy increased international influence and engagement. Regrettably, this has not been the case. Relations with African countries have not been as cordial as envisaged, particularly in the West African sub-region, where the country faces considerable obstacles in commanding respect and influence.
Nigeria’s relegation from a leading nation in Africa to being a leading sub-regional player is a concerning development. Regarding relations with China, there is a perception of diminished influence and a subservient relationship, leading to some agreements between the two countries that citizens are wary about.
Although Nigeria appears to be enjoying good relations with the West, concerns remain about its level of independence. The Trump administration in the US seems not to be a friend of Nigeria, with the president’s utterances and actions somehow necessarily targeting the country.
The NPSA believes domestic politics plays a significant role in Nigeria’s ineffective external relations. It has long been held that a country’s domestic environment significantly shapes its external image.
Others have argued that the problem is not just the broad issue of domestic politics but the class structure that sustains perpetual dependence on the West for the sake of interest protection. Whatever perspective is shared, the apparent fact is that Nigeria is underperforming in the contemporary international system.
Past investments in external relations are not sustainable in the current situation. We, however, reckon with improvements particularly noticed during the republic’s opening years, including debt relief secured, relative visibility enjoyed in the politics of international organisations, hosting of some international meetings, and involvement in the performance of security functions across the world.
While noting the commendable steps, it is depressing that the level of independence and confidence the policy enjoys has progressively declined over time; there is a capitulation of sorts in pursuing Nigeria’s foreign policy in the republic. Also, the number of citizens who keenly follow the policy has declined considerably due to their existential problems. Additionally, the leadership role it is playing in Africa has come under credible threats, with some African countries taking delight in deriding Nigeria.
All these indicate that democracy has not significantly impacted Nigeria’s foreign policy in the current republic.
To reverse the trend of less productive foreign policy in the Fourth Republic, we suggest:
- Conduct a comprehensive foreign policy review to align with current international dynamics.
- Ensure proper funding for foreign policy initiatives.
- Strengthen the research arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Democratise foreign policy by engaging more Nigerians in it through deliberate floating of debates on its substance and giving information to the citizens.
- Address pressing domestic concerns.
- Review membership in international organisations to prioritise only those that enhance national visibility.
- Clarify the thrust of Nigeria’s foreign policy to serve as a mobilisation tool. The current one (Strategic Autonomy) is too generic to serve that purpose.
- Rework foreign policy objectives to make them more transparent and measurable by further amending the 1999 constitution.
- Investigate the causes of low morale among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff.
- Recognise that power dynamics, not morality, drive foreign policy.
- Mitigate the contagious effect of Trump’s foreign policy, focusing on American national interest.
- Manage national image in international relations.
- Enhance the role of foreign policy in the country’s governance process.
- Clearly define Nigeria’s national interest.
- Revive the culture of scenario-building and anticipatory steps in the foreign policy-making process.
- Consider prioritising the institutional approach at the expense of the entrenched ad hoc resort.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s foreign policy challenges stem from ineffective domestic management, which leads to negative perceptions abroad. Addressing internal problems is crucial for the country to achieve the significant global influence it craves in international affairs.
