FOREIGN POLICY AND NIGERIA‟S NATIONAL INTEREST: AN ASSESSMENT OF YAR‟ADUA AND JONATHAN‟S ADMINISTRATIONS (2007 – 2015)

FOREIGN POLICY AND NIGERIA‟S NATIONAL INTEREST: AN ASSESSMENT OF YAR‟ADUA AND JONATHAN‟S ADMINISTRATIONS (2007 – 2015)

Abstract:

This work is undertaken to give a lucid assessment of Nigeria‟s foreign policy and national interest with particular focus on the policy thrusts adopted by both the Yar‟Adua and Jonathan‟s administration from 2007 to 2015. The work examines the trends in Nigeria‟s foreign policy since independence to 2015. Although, many scholarly works have been done on Nigeria‟s foreign policy trends since independence, but very little of specific attempts have been made to articulate the need for re-direction of Nigeria‟s foreign policy. The work is a deliberate effort aimed at directing intellectual attention to the reasons why Nigeria‟s foreign policy vis a vis her national interest should be re-directed from Africa-centered. In order to give credence to the research and obtain adequate and reliable information for the study, primary and secondary data were utilized. Interviews were conducted, structured questionnaires were administered. Some members of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign policy scholars/analysts and some serving and retired Diplomats provided the primary data while the secondary data were obtained from related books, seminar/conference papers, journals, newspapers/magazines, internet and government publications. The study uses survey method as its research design. The choice of this research technique was informed by the descriptive nature of the research problem and also to give credence to the research findings. Structured observations were also used in the course of the research..The work has been able to come up with some findings in closing the long-standing gap which referred Nigeria as „Big Brother‟ to other African countries in need of assistance to the detriment of her growth and development. The work has also brought out the fact that Citizen Diplomacy(foreign policy thrust adopted by the Yar‟Adua‟s administration) amongst other foreign policy thrusts of successive governments (including that of Jonathan‟s), is more desirable as it has promoted the prosperity and survival of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the diaspora. The thrust has further connected diplomacy to governance by emphasizing the ideals of citizenship and the need for citizens‟ participation in decision-making process, particularly in Nigeria, amongst others. In order to have a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the focus of this study, two theories were considered as a framework of analysis (Critical Theory and Social Constructivist Theory), but Social Constructivism was adopted. Keywords: Foreign Policy, National Interest, Diplomacy, Social Constructivism

FOREIGN POLICY AND NIGERIA‟S NATIONAL INTEREST: AN ASSESSMENT OF YAR‟ADUA AND JONATHAN‟S ADMINISTRATIONS (2007 – 2015)

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