APPRAISAL OF NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY UNDER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (2015 - 2020)
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Date
2020
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LAPAI INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Abstract
Over the years Nigeria external relations and foreign policy has been faced by many problems.
In spite of the enormous resources and potentials which the country has been blessed with,
Nigeria has not on a sustainable basis been able to formulate effective foreign policy expected
from a country with its endowments. This paper examines in specific term major challenges
facing Nigeria’s external relations under president Muhammadu Buhari. The aim is to identify
the problems and prospects ahead for the country. The study adopted qualitative methodology
that uses consultation with literature as a means of data gathering. It was revealed that more
than external factor, it is the internal variables that are dampening Nigeria’s attainment of
positive international image. For example, the founding fathers and pioneers of the ministry of
external affairs, now foreign affairs, worked faithfully and relentlessly in offering honest advice
to the successive Head of State/President, based on their professional training to make Nigeria
proud in the committee of nations. Unfortunately, it would appear nowadays that the leadership
of the ministry succumbs to the whims and caprices of functionaries in the presidency who
pretend to know more than the professionals. The paper therefore submitted that for the country
to occupy its rightful position in the comity of other nations there is need for a more assertive
foreign policy that promotes the National Interest and reverses negative international
perceptions on Nigeria.