The Nigerian Foreign Policy under President Olusegun Obasanjo,1999-2007.
Abstract
On assumption of office as president, Obasanjo made diplomatic moves to redeem the battered and shattered image of the country which was as a result of the unending transition to democracy, increase in the abuse of fundamental human rights and the regular killing of innocent citizens in the 1990s.
This led to the imposition of international sanctions on Nigeria. However, with the return to democracy and Obasanjo’s shuttle diplomacy, sanctions placed on Nigeria were removed.
And as part of Nigeria’s commitment to make Africa the centre-piece of the country’s foreign policy, Obasanjo continued with Nigeria’s leading role in the maintenance of peace and conflict resolution in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Sudan, etc.
This work is a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy during Olusegun Obasanjo’s second era and its impact on Nigerian citizens.
It examined the plight of Nigerians in some countries where the country participated in peace keeping operations during Obasanjo second era.
Other issues that affect Nigerian citizens which were discussed in this work include the case of Bakassi and the country’s diplomatic moves for debt relief and investment.
The central question addressed in this research is: What were the measures taken by the government to protect Nigerian citizens in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan where Nigeria participated in peace keeping operations; and in the Bakassi Peninsula which was ceded to Cameroon?
However, the main focus of this research is to review and assess the impact of Obasanjo’s foreign policy formulation and implementation on national life.
It includes how his foreign policy affected Nigerians economically, socially and politically. The work was designed among other things to provide the historical account of Nigeria’s foreign policy under obasanjo civilian era.
Table Of Contents
Title page……………… i
Certification page……. ii
Dedication………….. iii
Acknowledgements……… iv
Abstract……………… v
Table of contents………… vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study…………………… 1
Statement of the Problem………….. 5
Purpose of Study………………….. 6
Significance of Study……………….. 7
Scope of Study………….. 7
Literature Review…………………… 8
Sources, Methods, and Organization……….. 19
Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Issues……… 21
CHAPTER TWO: NIGERIA: THE PERIOD OF INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION, 1993-1999
Events that Led to International Isolation………………… 29
The Nigeria’s Image in the International Arena………………… 33
Nigeria’s Return to Democracy and Her Reception in the International Arena………………… 35
CHAPTER THREE: NIGERIA’S DIPLOMATIC MOVES IN AFRICA: 1999-2003
Obasanjo’s Diplomatic Strategies in the Intervention of Crisis in Sierra Leone…….. 43
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Moves in Handling the Second Phase of the Liberian Crisis……………. 46
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Steps towards Resolving Conflict in Sao Tome and Principe………….. 51
CHAPTER FOUR: JUDGMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT ON BAKASSI IN 2002
The Historical Context of Bakassi Crisis and the Poor Handling of the Case at the ICJ……. 59
Nigeria’s Reactions After the Judgment of ICJ in 2002……….. 63
CHAPTER FIVE: NIGERIA’S DIPLOMATIC DRIVE FOR DEBT RELIEF AND INVESTMENT: 2004 – 2007
Debt Relief………………. 79
Recovery of Abacha Loot: the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes….. 82
The Diplomatic Strategies of Encouraging and Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria.. 87
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION
SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY….106
Introduction
Background Of Study
The civilian regime of Olusegun Obasanjo in Nigeria pursued the same foreign policy and the same objectives adopted by various regimes right from the period of independence.
Although the style tends to differ based on the idiosyncrasies of the number one citizen and his foreign affairs team, but the outcome has always remained basically the same.
Promotion and protection of the national interests, promotion of African economic integration and support for African unity, promotion of international co-operation.
Respect for international law and settlement of international dispute are the major objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy as enshrined in section 191 of the Nigerian constitution which various governments tried to adhere to in pursuance of the country’s foreign policy.
The focus on Africa as the centre-piece of the country’s foreign policy has always been maintained right from 1960.
Tafawa Balewa laid the foundation. Shortly after independence, he demonstrated his commitment to the course of Africa by sending a large contingent of Nigerian soldiers and policemen to take part in the UN peace-keeping operations in Congo.
He also led the attack on South Africa’s domestic policy of Apartheid which segregated the South African population along racial lines.
Subsequent regimes reinforced the African centred foreign policy in various ways such as playing a leading role in the formation of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), supporting the struggle for independence in Angola, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Bibliography
Agbu O. “Nigerian Civil Society and the Debt Relief and Nigeria Diplomacy” in .U. Joy Ogwu and W.O Alli, (eds.) Debt Relief and Nigeria’s Diplomacy Lagos: NIIA, 2006.
Akinboye S. O. “From Confrontation to Strategic Partnership: Nigeria’s Relations with South Africa, 1960-2000,” in Ogwu Joy U, (ed.), New Horizons for Nigeria in World Affairs. Lagos: NIIA, 2005.
Albert I.O and Olarinde O.N. Trends and Tensions in Managing Conflicts, Abuja: Society for Peace Studies and Practice, 2010.
Albert, I.O., Eselebor W.A. and Danjibo N.D. (eds.), Peace, Security and Development in Nigeria. Abuja Society for Peace Studies and Practice, 2012
Aron R. Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations. London: Nicholson, 1967.
Ashafa A.M. Debt Relief for Nigeria: The Moral Imperatives and the Hazards, in .U. Joy Ogwu and W.O Alli (eds.), Dept Relief and Nigeria’s Diplomacy, Lagos: NIIA, 2006.