Internal Factors that Determine Nigeria’s Foreign Policy since 1960

Abstract

This work focuses on the internal factors that determine Nigeria Foreign Policy since 1960. These factors affect the formulation of policy in different ways under different circumstances. Some of these factors are permanent, some temporary, some are obvious while others obscure. However, all interact temporary with each other. In devising its foreign policy, a nation must consider certain basic factors of existence. This frame of reference includes its geographic-strategic situation, population potential, economic endowments and ideological environment. Foreign policy inputs are geography, culture and history, technological and economic development, social structure, moods of public opinion, political accountability governmental structure, situation factors both external and internal. Fundamentally, foreign policy has its roots in the unique historical background, political institutions, traditions, economic needs, power factor and aspirations, peculiar of values held by a nation. Among basic determinants of Nigeria foreign policy includes geography, economic development, political tradition, domestic milieu and international milieu, military strength and national character. This paper examined that the factors which have shaped and some of which continues shape the foreign policy orientation of Nigeria since independence. The paper finds out that, the foreign policy of a state is conditioned by two determinants. The paper, thus argues that power has always been personalized to the extent that whatever a regime does is a reflection of the man who occupies the seat of president. This study further argues that the nature and character of Nigeria’s leaders is a major determinant of the nation foreign policy. The paper also argues that internal factor determines the policy statement of a state relationship with other states and non-state actors at the global arena. This paper is historical; hence, it adopts a qualitative method of analysis. Useful piece of information was obtained from important relevant documents, reports and array of secondary sources.