Identify any six factors affecting Nigeria foreign policy.
Explanation
(i) History: Nigeria has a strong link with Britain and some western European powers due to her colonial experience.
(ii) Geography: The location of Nigeria in West Africa determines her relationship with other countries.
(iii) Population: Nigeria is a diverse country with large population and this affects her foreign policy.
(iv) National Interest: Security of lives, territorial integrity and socio-economic developments as part of Nigeria national interest influence her foreign policy.
(v) Natural resources: Nigeria has one of the largest concentration of natural resources in the world. This greatly influences her foreign policy.
(vi) Public opinion: The general views of the Nigerian people are often considered in her foreign policy objectives.
(vii) Military strength: Nigeria has relative military capabilities in Africa. This has been used to influence her foreign policy.
(viii) Personality of the leader: The personality of the Nigeria president is seen as a major influence of the country’s foreign policy.
(ix) The type of government in power also determines the foreign policy direction.
(x) Membership of Nigeria in international organizations e.g. AU, ECOWAS, etc
(xi) Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives affects her foreign policy.
(xii) Religion: Both Islam and Christianity affect Nigeria’s foreign policy.
(xiii) International laws, conventions and treaties.
(xiv) Out break of wars and conflict affect Nigeria’s foreign policy.