nigerian foreign policy under general ibrahim badamosi babangida

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NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY UNDER GENERAL IBRAHIM BADAMOSI BABANGIDA

ABSTRACT

Foreign policy, the set of principles and strategies that guide a nation's interactions with other countries, plays a crucial role in shaping its position in the global community. It encompasses a wide range of diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives aimed at safeguarding national interests, promoting regional stability, and advancing international cooperation. In the context of Nigeria, a country with a diverse population, significant economic resources, and a pivotal position in Africa, foreign policy takes on added importance. Nigeria's foreign policy decisions not only impact its own prosperity and security but also influence the dynamics of the entire continent. As such, understanding the evolution and implementation of Nigerian foreign policy under different leaderships provides insights into the nation's aspirations, challenges, and contributions to regional and global affairs. This study focuses on Nigerian foreign policy during the tenure of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research draws upon historical data, scholarly literature, and expert opinions to elucidate the multifaceted dimensions of Babangida's foreign policy approach. Findings reveal a complex landscape characterized by a blend of economic diplomacy, African solidarity, and regional activism, alongside challenges such as allegations of corruption and political instability. Based on the findings, the research recommended to enhance Nigeria's foreign policy stance, emphasizing the importance of transparency, human rights advocacy, and continuity in diplomatic endeavors to strengthen Nigeria's position as a leading voice in Africa and a respected partner in the international arena.

 

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Reminiscent of  the  short-lived  regime  of  General  Murtala  Ramat                      Mohammed             (July     1975- February 1976), General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration (1985-1993) also injected certain degree of dynamism into Nigeria’s foreign policy. Several important diplomatic activities characterised the foreign policy initiatives of the regime since August 1985 when it came into power in Nigeria. During that period, the regime introduced certain foreign policy initiatives that were unique in the country’s foreign policy history. Among the notable foreign policy initiatives of the regime between 1985 and 1993 included the constitution of the Concert of Medium Powers (otherwise known as the Lagos Forum), introduction of the Technical Aid Corps programme and the realignment of Nigeria’s foreign policy focus from political to Economic Diplomacy.                  In addition to            this,        the                      regime also strengthened     the Afro-centric doctrine of Nigeria’s foreign policy and embarked on greater involvement in African Affairs. In similar development, the regime strongly condemned the Apartheid regime in South Africa. It also played greater role in regional conflict resolution under the instrument of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). These initiatives were largely driven by the domestic situation in Nigeria and changes at the global level.

When the military took over power from the Balewa administration in January 1966, the pro-western posture of Nigeria’s foreign policy did not witness any fundamental shift. Major General Aguiyi Ironsi who became the first military Head of state could not change government’s foreign policy stance as he was busy trying to resolve the huge domestic problems precipitated by the counter coup of July 1966 which swept away the Ironsi regime and led to the emergence of Lt. Col. (Later General) Yakubu Gowon as the new Head of state, serious internal conflict erupted which brought the nation to a near state of disintegration. This had a near state of disintegration. This had a serious impact on Nigeria’s external relations as the country could not play and active role in foreign policy (Akinboye, 1999).

Meanwhile, the pre-western posture of Nigeria’s foreign policy continued unabated and government had thought that by turning to her traditional friends in the west for assistance the war would be expeditiously prosecuted. This was not the case however, the so called traditional friends turned down her request for arms and ammunitions. For instance, when Britain refused to supply aircraft to Nigeria, the Nigeria military government turned to the Defunct Soviet Union which supplied not only the aircraft but also equipment such as arms and ammunition and before the end of the war, Eastern Europe generally and the defunct Soviet Union in particular has become instant heroes in the eyes of Nigerian’s Perhaps this also introduce a new dimension to the country’s perception of friends or enemies in external relations (Akinboye, 1999).

Irene (2010) contends that the golden era of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the military government of General Gowon was the decade of 1970s. This was the period when Nigeria’s oil wealth increased dramatically empowering the Gowon regime to embark on significant nationalist and pan-African policies in Africa. The experience of the civil war years in particular, imposed a more flexible outlook and comprehensive external relations portfolio on the Gowon regime. Beyond this, the post-civil war era saw General Gowon endeavoring to repair the damage done to Nigeria’s relations with her neighbors’ and some African countries. Nigeria became positively non-aligned during this period, and played a more expensive role in continental and West African polities. The regime gave birth to the economic community of West African states (ECOWAS) which later led to the ACP-EEC agreements known as the Lome’ conventions

In July 1975, General Gowon’s government was topple in a bloodless coup-de tat by the late general Murtala Mohammed who brought dynamism and activism into Nigeria’s external relations. The administration’s interest inn foreign affairs was demonstrated by the setting up of the Adediji commission to overhaul the entire foreign policy machinery of the country. The commission recommendation led to a definition of Nigeria’s foreign policy objective and the setting up of guidelines that determined fundamental the course of Nigeria’s external relation based on this Murtala require made far-reaching impact and achieved significant feat in foreign affairs (Akiboye, 1999).

Otubanjo (1989) the Murtala military require pursued a foreign policy whose raisin date uses aggressively African and earned Nigeria universal acknowledgment and approval. The proactive policies and action against colonialism in African had a positions outcome in the decolonization of angora and later Zimbabwe. Under Murtala Mohammed’s leadership Nigeria’s role in the recognition of the popular  front for the liberation of Angola (MPLA) gave Nigeria’s foreign policy the explicitness which many Nigeria’s a had yearned. It brought Nigeria to the center- stage of the polities of de-colonization and earned Nigeria the  status of a front-line stage even when it was far from the treasure of the liberation war.

The assassination of general Murtala on February 13, 1976 following abortive coup did not dampen the temple of radicalism and dynamism of the government foreign policy as the new head of state. General Oluseyi Obasanjo (who was second in command when Murtala was alive) continued with the save policy as laid down by Murtala. General Obasanjo was also committed to the pursued of Nigeria’s interest, Africa goals and justice in the international system. In deed what Obasanjo did was to consolidate Murtala’s effect, and Nigeria’s voice continued to be heard in the international community. One of the most outstanding thing done by the Obasanjo government were the punitive measures applied to Britain’s companies following Britain’s unacceptable policy in Rhodesia and apartheid south Africa for instance in 1978, the British owned Barclay bank was partially nationalized in Nigeria when government took over 80% of the companies share and changed it name to union bank of Nigeria limited. During this period, Nigeria led the withdrawal of African countries from the Montreal Olympic. The government also pursued with vigor it decolonization policy and provided finical and logistic support for the liberation movement those in southern Africa (Ekundayo 1989, Irene, 2010, Adefolarin 2014). At this level Nigeria potential for continental leadership and power was translated, manifested concretely from the latent to the practice realm.

Gambari, (1989), the Buhari require which took over power from president shah she gain or triturated a foreign policy that was Characterized by a purposeful attempt  to restore both Nigeria’s domestic and foreign policies. The administration sought to solve the problems, overhead Nigeria’s economy and re-conceptualize Nigeria’s foreign policy in a way that reclaimed its voice in both continental and international affairs. The Buhari regime which prided itself as an offshoot of the Murtala Obasanjo government made strenuous effort to follow that requires foots print in foreign affairs. For instance just as the Murtala Obasanjo give recognition to MPLA of  Angola, the Buhari /Idiagbon require recognized the polisario government in Western Sahara against the backdrop of opposition by solve Africa state (akinboye,1999).

Irene (2010) observed that the concentric circle approach articulated by the regime ensure, the re-launched Nigeria deep commitment to the cause  freedom and liberation straggle particular in south Africa. Although the require did not have time to rule, but it contribution to foreign policy was its efforts to define and defend Nigeria’s national interest in relation to Africa’s goals and objective and the pursued of world peace and security.

General Ibrahim Babangida took over power from Buhari and quickly relaxed the radical posture or the previous government’s foreign policy. According to Akinboye (1999) one of the first thing the Babangida’s administration did was to direct his foreign affair minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi to organized an “all Nigeria conference on foreign “in order to examine the various perspectives of the countries foreign policy. The conference came up with specific recommendation on a new foreign policy. According to the scholar in attempt restructures the nation’s economy, the Babangida Administration came up with the structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), and on the external plane, the required adopted economic diplomacy as the thrust of its foreign policy. The SAP programmed failed to restructure the Nigeria economy in a manner as to reduce its dependence on the west. This, rather then reducing the nation’s economic problem, it has exacter dated it.

The Babangida administration, from the outset, affirmed its dedication to vigorously pursue Nigeria’s foreign policy principle, which places Africa at the forefront. Within this overall framework, many important innovations were introduced by the government in order to enable it carry out more effective and relevant role in Africa. They include: (a) The employment of economic diplomacy as a reliable instrument of foreign policy. Economic diplomacy was intended to open up business opportunities for Nigerians in other countries, (b) The introduction and extension of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme. Under the scheme, Nigerian professionals and experts whose services were required by other African countries were seconded, at the Nigerian government’s expense, to those countries for a period of up to three years,(c)The introduction of the principle of reciprocity whereby, without prejudice to the centrality of Africa to Nigeria’s foreign policy, the government would make it a point to consult only with African governments which seek Nigeria’s opinion and views on matters that concern them individually or collectively, (d) The conclusion of bilateral agreements with as many African countries as were willing, to institutionalize their cooperation with Nigeria, (e) The strengthening of Nigeria’s commitment to regional economic cooperation in Africa, (f) The intensification of the anti- apartheid goals against the racist South Africa, (g) The Nigerian commitment to African regional organization, especially the OAU and the African Development Bank (ADB), (h) The willingness to intervene directly in violet conflicts between African States and within specific countries as a neutral arbiter and honest broker. Formation and sponsorship of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and Sierra Leone are handy examples (Mbachu,2011).

Equally, the Babangida military junta gave moral, financial, diplomatic, and material support to Namibia which were critical in winning her independence under South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1990. Apart from all the resources given to SWAPO to prosecute the war of liberation, the Nigerian government also gave Namibia specific assistance immediately before and after independence to enable the new state start off smoothly. These include: (a) The sum of N100 million (US $11 million) voluntary donations by Nigerians raised at the launching of the Nambia Solidarity Fund by President Babangida, (b) Payment of US $400,000.00 assessed contribution to the OAU to aid SWAPO’s electoral campaign in 1989, (c) Voluntary contribution of US $100,000.00 to the UN for the repatriation of Namibian refugees and exiles to participate in the democratization process, (d) Payment of US $162,674.00 million to assess contribution to the budget of the UN Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG), (e) Contribution of personnel to perform electoral and police duties (cited in Abagen and Tyona, 2018).

In addition, according to Mbachu (2011) just as its African policy, the Babangida regime’s actions and policy towards the Black people in the Diaspora contained important elements of innovation and continuity. The regime with such influential members of the Black in the Diaspora as members of the BlackCongressional Caucus of the United States and the government of Jamaica in its bid to co-ordinate Black peoples response to the problem of apartheid in South Africa, especially after the rise of power of F.W de Klerk. But the most important new policy measure adopted by the Nigerian government and which is of considerable interest to the entire black world is the decision to campaign vigorously for reparation to be paid by the West for the enslavement of Blacks.

This research examines the prelude to these foreign policy initiatives with particular emphasis on the domestic and external factors that influenced the regime’s foreign policies between August 1985 and August 1993. With this in mind, the paper intends to identify the compelling factors that were responsible for the regimes postures and the rationale behind the aforementioned initiatives among others.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

It is evident that there is a general dissatisfaction with the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy. However, in the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy, there is an over emphasis on subjective factors. In this light, Nigeria’s foreign policy under General Babangida became problematic because of the level of Nigeria involvement in Regional issues. Many people viewed the ECOMOG operation as an undue disobedience of the international law of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries by the mediation committee members of ECOWAS and Nigeria in particular. This Babangida initiative has been criticised by many Nigerians because of the scale of involvement, particularly in a period of economic crisis, and more so when “Economic Diplomacy” became the major stand of foreign policy.

  • Research Questions

Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions offer direction to the researcher in carrying out the study:

  1. What is the background of Nigeria foreign policy of the post-independence era?
  2. What analyze the foreign policy of Babangida’s regime and the factors responsible for its style and orientation?
  • What is the political and economic implications of Babangida’s foreign policy for the country?
  1. What is the relationship between dictatorship and foreign policy orientation?
  2. What suggest the lasting solutions for purposeful and result oriented foreign policy formulation and implementation?

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine foreign policy under general Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, 1985-1993. To aid the completion of the study, the researcher would intend to achieve the following specific objectives:

 

  1. To examine the background of Nigeria foreign policy of the post independence era.
  2. To analysing the foreign policy of Babangida’s regime and the factors responsible for its style and orientation.
  • To identify the political and economic implications of Babangida’s foreign policy for the country.
  1. To examine the relationship between dictatorship and foreign policy orientation.
  2. To suggest lasting solutions for purposeful and result oriented foreign policy formulation and implementation.

 

1.5       Scope of the Study

This study covers foreign policy under General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida between 1985-1993. While acknowledging the myriad of problems posed by the spectacle of the foreign policy of Nigeria towards other countries, this research limits itself to the issue of the Nigeria’s foreign policy.

1.6       Significance of the Study

 

The major significance of this study is that it will examine and highlight the reasons behind the foreign policy of General Ibrahim Babangida Babangida’s regime between 1985-1993. It will also suggest some ideas on how political leaders can manage crisis to avoid repeating mistakes of the past. The research also hopes to contribute to the academic literature on Nigeria’s foreign policy through a coverage of a turbulent period in Nigeria recent history.

1.7       Research Methodology

The study adopted qualitative method of data collection. In view of this, data were generated from secondary source materials. Qualitative research emphasizes words, rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data. Furthermore, it predominantly emphasizes a deductive approach to the relationship between theory and research; in which the emphasis is placed on capturing inferences from a general field into particular situations. Also, qualitative research entails a perspective of social concepts as an increasingly shifting sphere based on individual contributions. Data were sourced through relevant text materials and historical documents. These include: texts, journals, online articles, Magazines, Archives and the likes.

 

1.8       Limitation of the Study

In the cause of the study, there were some factors which limited the scope of the study:

  • Availability of research material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient thereby limiting the study.
  • Time Constraints: The researcher was involved in other departmental activities like seminars, attendance of lectures et.c which limited her time for the research but the researcher was able to meet up with the time assigned for the completion of the research work.
  • Financial Constraints: The researcher was with limited funds, he cannot visit all the areas to get responses from respondents but she was able to get good information concerning the research topic.
  • Attitude of respondents: The attitude of the respondents to the study was not encouraging and this affected the study.

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