AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FOREIGN POLICY OF NIGERIA BETWEEN 2011-2015

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Nigeria has long been a major player in African diplomacy, frequently assuming a leadership role in regional institutions like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). The guiding tenets of its foreign policy have been economic diplomacy, non-alignment, and African solidarity (Halidu & Adie, 2018). Thus, it is reasonable to argue that Nigerian policy is influenced by other African nations' apron tier. Why it is referred to as the Giant of Africa is not surprising (United For Human Rights. (2019). The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, who took over in 2010 when President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua passed away, dominated the period under review. 

Nigeria's foreign policy has changed significantly between 2011 and 2015, however as a sovereign nation, it has continuously engaged with the international community. During this time, President Goodluck Jonathan's administration put into effect a number of measures meant to advance Nigeria's interests on a worldwide scale (Okeke, (2017) Naturally, not all of his policies were implemented. Both local and foreign policies were included in this. Analysis of Nigeria's foreign policy during this period offers important insights into the nation's diplomatic strategies, challenges, and accomplishments. Nigeria's foreign policy, especially between 2011 and 2015, was characterized by significant shifts and challenges that reflected its own domestic priorities and international relationships. This was a critical period as Nigeria wanted to establish itself as an important regional player in Africa while navigating intricate international problems.

Examining Nigeria's foreign policy throughout this time span reveals a complex strategy that struck a balance between obligations made internationally and home priorities. A foundation for comprehending the development of Nigeria's diplomatic policies and their effect on the nation's status internationally is provided by the difficulties and achievements faced. Understanding Nigeria's position in regional and international events requires an evaluation of the country's foreign policy from 2011 to 2015. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Nigeria's foreign policy during this time, looking at its achievements, shortcomings, and effects on the country's growth. Nigeria's foreign policy between 2011 and 2015 has come under fire for failing to effectively handle urgent domestic and regional issues, despite the country's strategic importance in West Africa and its major contributions to regional and international events. The foreign policy strategy of the Goodluck Jonathan government has come under fire for being ambiguous, brittle, and lacking in focus.

The foreign policy of Nigeria between 2011 and 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan was marked by significant initiatives aimed at enhancing regional leadership, fostering economic diplomacy, and addressing security challenges. While the administration achieved notable successes in conflict resolution, economic partnerships, and global diplomacy, it also faced challenges related to implementation, human rights issues, and resource constraints. Due evaluation of the aforementioned elements, as well as other ones, made it necessary for the researcher to start a methodical investigation of Nigeria's foreign policy between 2011 and 2015. In essence, the goal was to identify the main goals and tactics of Nigeria's foreign policy from 2011 to 2015 and the ways in which these factors affected the country's political stability, economic, and national security.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria has always prioritized international diplomacy, economic growth, and its strategic interests in Africa when determining its foreign policy. President Goodluck Jonathan's administration (2011–2015) saw a number of noteworthy foreign policy efforts in Nigeria with the goals of strengthening its regional influence, promoting economic relations, and addressing security concerns. Nigeria's foreign policy was put to the test between 2011 and 2015 by a number of domestic and external issues that put the country's diplomatic tactics and regional might to the test. Nigeria's foreign policy during this period was frequently viewed as reactive and inconsistent, casting doubt on its efficacy and strategic coherence despite its aspirations to take the lead in Africa. 

President Goodluck Jonathan's administration focused on several key areas in its foreign policy. Nigeria's foreign policy during this time was mostly focused on strengthening economic connections and luring in international investments. Through bolstering ties with emerging economies, particularly China, India, and Brazil, the Jonathan administration aimed to expand Nigeria's economic alliances beyond conventional Western allies. The goal of this strategy was to draw capital into important industries including infrastructure, agriculture, and oil and gas (Ogunsanwo, 2014). Nigeria engaged in active foreign diplomacy, using its non-permanent position on the UN Security Council (2014–2015) to sway world policy on sustainable development, counterterrorism, and peacekeeping. Nigeria's leadership played a crucial role in promoting African concerns inside the UN system (Adebajo, 2015).

An extensive evaluation of Nigeria's foreign policy during this time was necessary due to a number of important factors, including security concerns, an inadequate response to the Boko Haram insurgency, the neglect of important sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, economic volatility, Nigeria's membership in ECOWAS and the African Union, the necessity for Nigeria to maintain a balance between its relationships with established Western allies and rising global powers like China, and more. 

1.3 Objective of the Study

Primarily, this research seeks to carefully assess the foreign policy of Nigeria between 2011-2015. This primary aim will be achieved vis-à-vis

Observing some prominent foreign policies what was introduced by the Goodluck Jonathan led administration.

Assessing the impact of some of these foreign policies on its national security, economic development, and political stability.

Examining the key objectives and strategies of Nigeria's foreign policy between 2011 and 2015.

Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria's foreign policy approach between 2011 and 2015.

1.4 Research Questions

What where some prominent foreign policies what was introduced during the Goodluck Jonathan led administration?

What were the impacts of some of these foreign policies on its national security, economic development, and political stability?

What were the key objectives and strategies of Nigeria's foreign policy between 2011 and 2015?

What were the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria's foreign policy approach under President Goodluck Jonathan?

1.5 Significance of the Study

By offering fresh viewpoints and insights on Nigeria's foreign policy strategy, this research will add to the body of knowledge already available on the nation's foreign policy and international relations. The study will also highlight some of the most notable international initiatives of the Goodluck Jonathan administration by thoroughly outlining their purpose, value, and target audience. Along with a thorough discussion of the country's foreign policy strengths and limitations, an evaluation of Nigeria's position in international fora during the study period will also be conducted. The study offers a carful observation into significant foreign policies introduced by the Goodluck Jonathan led administration and an assessment of the impacts some of these policies had on national security, economic development and political stability. The study will examine key objectives and strategies of Nigeria’s policy within the allotted timeframe while identifying the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria’s foreign policy approach with the same timeframe.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research work is seen as an aspect of international relations as the spotlight of study has to do with Nigeria and her foreign counterparts. As such, the researcher limited his studies only to foreign policies postulated by the then government of Nigeria by obviously highlighting some of these policies especially the salient ones. As much as Nigerian foreign policy is pivotal to other African nations, the researcher only paid attention to how these policies related to Nigeria and Nigerians, Policies definitely will have effects, positive or negative. Hence, this study reveals these effects as they were  Also, the researcher was confined to narrow the study to the period of 2011-2015. This period saw the administration of president Goodluck Jonathan. As much as Goodluck Jonathan was seen as a lucky man who succeeded president Musa who he was a vice to, this study intentionally addresses only policies during the tenure of Goodluck’s elected tenure.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

A few obstacles that the researcher encountered during the investigation did not, however, have an impact on the findings. One of these restrictions was the time allotted to finish the research. The period allowed for this investigation practically put a restriction on the researcher. The cost of obtaining the materials and resources needed for this investigation also presented a significant risk to the study's success. In addition to the aforementioned, the researcher's unanticipated illness caused a delay in the research project's completion.

1.8 Research Methodology

The researcher conducted the study using qualitative methodologies. Nevertheless, the study used a historical research design. Thus, the study was assessed by the researcher in relation to the period of 2011-2023. As a result, the researcher had to rely on secondary sources including journals, textbooks, newspapers, and many more. It was the researcher's responsibility to confirm the findings because this research methodology was predicated on the resources at hand.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Foreign policy: The term "foreign policy" describes a nation's tactics and strategy when negotiating with other countries and international organizations. It includes a number of factors, 

Nigeria: Nigeria is a territorial nation space in West Africa, it has over 250 ethnic groups and about 200 languages with about 356,669 square meters.