THE CENTER OF NIGERIAN’S FOREIGN POLICY.
Th centerpiece of Nigerian’s foreign policy is Africa, according to Sir Balewa, he stated that we belong to Africa and Africa must first claim attention in our external relationship. We can rightly say that the above statement by Sir Balewa gave rise to the concept of Africa as the centerpiece of Nigerian’s foreign policy. The 1979 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, chapter II, section 19 states that the state shall promote African unity as well as total political, economic, social and cultural liberation of Africa and all other forms of state, and shall combat racial discrimination in all
The concept of African as the centerpiece of Nigerian’s foreign policy has emerged as the most consistent theme that runs through her foreign policies in all the various regimes. According to Dr. Gambari, former External Affairs Minster and Nigerian’s representative to the United Nations, he stated that the “foreign policy of Nigeria could be called a 3 concentric circle, these concentric circle clearly puts Nigerian’s interest first, West Africa sub-region second and then the rest of Africa”. The foreign policy objectives shall be promotion and protection of national interest. Promotion of Africa integration and support for Africa unity. Promotion of international peace and mutual respect among all manifestations, respect for international law and treaty.
The establishments of technical aid corps program for the exchange of technical personnel among African states by the Babangida’s government are all effort to unity Africa.
In defining foreign policy, I stated that it is the national interest of the
country that makes up the foreign policy of the country, also it is aimed at manipulating the international community in order to achieve the national objectives of the country, it follows that foreign policy of any country should be the interest of the country. Friendship and co-operation with all nations of the world which recognizes and respect Nigerian’s sovereignty.
Assistance to African state in search of solution to their problems and encouragement of the development of their common tires among all African states to foster co-operation among countries of Africa in so far it is compatible with Nigerian’s national interest, the defence of our sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, the defence and promotion of world peace, the promotion of equality and self-reliance in African and the rest of the developing world.