NIGERIA AND THE COMMONWEALTH, 1993-1998: RE-CENTERING THE IDEA OF SANCTION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Abstract

Modern nation-states conduct their international relations through bilateral and multilateral channels that do make isolationism impracticable. However, there are internationally recognized moral conducts, norms, values, ethical and legal principles that guide the decisions and actions of states in international relations which their negations or/and violations attract possible sanctions. Such sanctions can come from a fellow but powerful state or a collectivity of states. It is in that context that this paper examines the Nigeria-Commonwealth relations under General Sani Abacha’s military regime. It does not only highlight the importance of sanctions in international relations but focuses on the cause for the Commonwealth sanctions against Nigeria in the period under review, the implementation, Nigeria’s response(s) to, and the consequential outcome(s) of the sanctions. It argues that Nigeria’s political and human rights behaviour under Abacha constituted grave violations of internationally recognized principles and codes of conduct hence sanctions were brought against her to restore order and ensure compliance. Though, the sanctions did close many beneficial opportunities for Nigeria in the West, it forced the country to more active foreign policy towards important countries in Asia. The paper employs the qualitative method of research, and makes use of primary and secondary sources of information.