National Interest as an Imaginery Concept: An Evaluation of Nigerian Foreign Policy Implementation

Stephen Ogbodo

Department of Political Science Faculty of Social Science and Humanities Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Nigeria’s foreign policy, since its independence, has been heavily influenced by an Afrocentric approach, which prioritizes the protection of African interests over the domestic needs and priorities of the Nigerian populace. This paper critically examines the long-standing focus on African unity, security, and regional cooperation in Nigerian foreign policy, exploring the reasons behind this orientation and the neglect of Nigeria’s national interests. The study argues that while Nigeria has garnered respect as a regional leader in West Africa, her foreign policy decisions often overlook the concerns of her own citizens, thereby weakening the efficacy and relevance of her diplomatic efforts. This paper also investigates the implications of such a foreign policy for Nigeria’s domestic welfare, and suggests reforms that could realign Nigerian diplomacy to better serve both regional and national interests. Through analysis of the political elites’ role in foreign policy formulation, the study questions the lack of inclusive decision-making processes and recommends a more consultative approach that incorporates the will of the Nigerian people in shaping the country’s foreign policy.

Keywords: Nigeria, foreign policy, national interest, Afrocentrism, diplomacy, political elites, regional cooperation, West Africa, national welfare, policy reform.

CITE AS: Stephen Ogbodo (2024). National Interest as an Imaginery Concept: An Evaluation of Nigerian Foreign Policy Implementation. Research Output Journal of Arts and Management 3(3):102-117.