History of Nigerian Foreign Policy
Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Nigeria’s foreign policies have been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by the attachment to several fundamental principles – African unity and independence, capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region, peaceful settlement of disputes, non -alignment and non – intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations, and regional economic co-operation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the organisation of African Unity (OAU) – now African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), The Commonwealth and the United Nations.

Generally, Nigeria’s foreign policy trends (the development and formulation) since 1960, has consistently been guided by the same principles and objectivity. Although while the main thrust of the country’s foreign policy, the promotion of her national interest and the policy of afro-centricity remained permanent, the strategy and emphasis for such protection by successive regimes varied from one to another.

While the substance of Nigeria’s foreign policy remained largely the same from regime to regime. Nigeria’s foreign policy, however, witnessed various adjustments and modifications depending on the orientations of the political leaderships. In addition, the prevailing domestic (political, economic and socio-cultural realities) and international environments have been major determinants in Nigeria’s foreign policy trends over the years.