Project – Foreign Policy and its Administration 2015-2023

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Foreign policy refers to a government’s framework for engaging with other nations to promote and safeguard its national interests. These interests typically encompass political, economic, military, and cultural concerns that a nation must project or protect in the global arena. Foreign policy includes a range of decisions and actions in diplomacy, trade negotiations, defense cooperation, development aid, and participation in international organizations. For many developing countries like Nigeria, foreign policy is not only a reflection of national interests but also a tool for national development and global relevance.

Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, its foreign policy has been guided by certain foundational principles—non-alignment, African solidarity, mutual respect, and peaceful conflict resolution. These principles have evolved over time, shaped by shifting political ideologies, global power realignments, economic conditions, and leadership styles (Gambari, 1980; Ogunsanwo, 2009). Historically, Nigeria positioned itself as a regional leader in Africa, taking active roles in peacekeeping, supporting liberation movements, and contributing to the formation of continental institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These efforts aimed to enhance Nigeria’s stature while fostering regional stability and integration.

The period between 2015 and 2023, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, marked a shift in both the emphasis and practice of Nigerian foreign policy. Buhari’s government prioritized national security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic diplomacy. Amid growing insecurity in Nigeria and across West Africa—particularly from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and banditry—the administration intensified regional and international engagements to confront transnational threats. In addition, economic diversification and recovery from recession necessitated foreign partnerships, especially with emerging powers such as China, Turkey, and Russia, alongside long-standing Western allies (Adebajo, 2021).

A notable feature of Buhari’s foreign policy approach was the emphasis on what was termed “citizen-centered diplomacy.” This policy objective sought to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad by enhancing consular services, diplomatic responsiveness, and government accountability in international affairs. It was a recognition that the global Nigerian diaspora contributes not only to national development through remittances but also to the country’s international image. However, this approach was criticized as inconsistent in practice. The xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, reports of abuse in detention centers in Libya, and mistreatment of Nigerians in China during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery and the challenges of policy implementation (Aluko, 2022).

Beyond bilateral relations, Nigeria’s role in multilateral diplomacy also underwent scrutiny during this period. While the country retained a presence in global institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union, its influence appeared diminished due to internal governance challenges, economic instability, and a perceived retreat from assertive diplomacy. Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions were sometimes reactive rather than strategic, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the administrative structure responsible for implementing foreign policy. These concerns highlight the need to evaluate not just the foreign policy content, but also the institutional capacity, leadership commitment, and bureaucratic coordination that underpin its execution.

In summary, the Buhari administration’s foreign policy from 2015 to 2023 represented a complex interplay of ambition and constraint. On one hand, there were visible efforts to reassert Nigeria’s diplomatic relevance and protect national interests; on the other, systemic weaknesses, inconsistent messaging, and limited global influence undermined these goals. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s foreign policy and its administration during this period is critical for understanding its successes, failures, and lessons for future governments. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how policy was developed, who administered it, and what outcomes were achieved on both regional and global stages.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Foreign policy is essential to the projection of national power, the promotion of national interests, and the shaping of a country’s global identity. In theory, Nigeria’s foreign policy between 2015 and 2023, under President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed to position the country as a regional power and global actor through citizen-centered diplomacy, regional peacekeeping, and economic engagement. However, despite these policy declarations, the actual administration and outcomes of foreign policy during this period have attracted widespread criticism. Critics point to lapses in Nigeria’s diplomatic responsiveness, weak global visibility, and the government’s inability to convert foreign policy goals into measurable achievements (Onuoha, 2020).

A key issue was Nigeria’s inadequate handling of diplomatic crises involving its citizens abroad. Notable incidents—such as the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the detention and abuse of Nigerians in Libya and China, and a lack of coordinated evacuation efforts during emergencies—exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s consular and diplomatic capacity. These situations highlighted a disconnect between stated foreign policy goals and the institutional mechanisms needed to protect citizens and assert national dignity on the international stage. Furthermore, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions were frequently criticized for underfunding, bureaucratic inefficiency, and poor service delivery, which undermined public trust in the country’s foreign policy institutions.

In addition, Nigeria’s declining representation and influence in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS raised questions about the country’s regional and global leadership role. While Nigeria maintained peacekeeping efforts and contributed to regional conflict mediation, its diplomatic clout within these organizations diminished due to internal political instability, economic challenges, and lack of strategic coordination. The country’s leadership did not consistently champion regional issues or present a clear, coherent foreign policy vision capable of rallying support and leading collective action across Africa.

Another challenge was the uncertainty surrounding the ideological orientation of Nigeria’s foreign policy during the Buhari era. Scholars and practitioners have debated whether the foreign engagements during this period were guided by a clear doctrine or simply reactive to crises and international pressures. The foreign policy shifts appeared ad hoc, especially in terms of economic diplomacy and bilateral relations. For instance, while Nigeria pursued stronger ties with China and Russia, it failed to maintain balanced engagement with traditional allies such as the United States and the European Union. These inconsistencies created ambiguity about Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and reduced its predictability on the international scene.

Given these gaps, there is a need for an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s foreign policy from 2015 to 2023 to determine the extent to which stated goals were achieved and how effectively policy was administered. This study is therefore necessary to evaluate the foreign policy formulation and implementation under the Buhari administration, analyze institutional performance, and assess whether Nigeria’s foreign policy during this period aligned with its long-term diplomatic and development interests. Addressing these issues will not only contribute to scholarly discourse but also provide recommendations for reforming the administration of foreign policy in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to assess Nigeria’s foreign policy and its administration from 2015 to 2023. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the key principles and priorities of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Buhari administration.
2. To analyze the institutional and bureaucratic structure involved in the administration of foreign policy during this period.
3. To evaluate the outcomes of Nigeria’s foreign engagements between 2015 and 2023.
4. To identify the challenges and limitations affecting the effective implementation of foreign policy.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What were the core principles and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy between 2015 and 2023?
2. How was foreign policy administered during the Buhari administration?
3. What were the major achievements and failures of Nigeria’s foreign policy in this period?
4. What institutional and political challenges affected its implementation?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study will test the following hypothesis:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the administration of foreign policy and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s international engagements from 2015 to 2023.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between the administration of foreign policy and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s international engagements from 2015 to 2023.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value for multiple stakeholders, including scholars, policymakers, diplomats, and the general public. The evaluation of Nigeria’s foreign policy from 2015 to 2023, under President Muhammadu Buhari, presents a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on international relations and diplomatic administration in Africa. Given the complex global landscape and shifting alliances, understanding how Nigeria navigated international politics during this period is essential for charting a more strategic and effective path forward.

From an academic perspective, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge on African foreign policy, particularly with a focus on leadership-driven diplomacy. It provides a contemporary analysis of Nigeria’s foreign policy, examining its ideological framework, operational structures, and policy outcomes. This is especially important as much of the existing literature tends to focus on the Cold War era or the Obasanjo and Jonathan administrations. By critically examining the Buhari era, this research fills a vital gap in scholarship and offers a case study for future comparative studies involving African middle powers and their diplomatic behavior in a multipolar world.

In terms of policy development, the research is highly relevant for Nigerian government officials and strategic planners. The findings and recommendations will help identify the institutional, procedural, and political weaknesses that undermined the effectiveness of foreign policy during the Buhari administration. Policymakers can leverage these insights to reform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, improve inter-agency collaboration, and ensure that Nigeria’s foreign engagements are better aligned with national development priorities. This study thus offers practical, evidence-based suggestions for crafting more proactive, consistent, and interest-driven foreign policy agendas.

The study is also a valuable resource for Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and foreign service officers. By analyzing how specific incidents were handled and what diplomatic tools were employed or neglected, the research highlights both strengths and shortcomings in diplomatic practice during 2015–2023. This reflective analysis can guide current and future diplomats in refining their approaches, becoming more responsive to crises, and better advocating for Nigeria’s interests abroad. Moreover, the study’s findings can inform training programs and institutional reforms aimed at building a more professional and dynamic foreign service.

For the general public, the research serves an educative function by shedding light on how foreign policy decisions affect national development, diaspora welfare, economic opportunities, and Nigeria’s global image. By breaking down diplomatic strategies and outcomes into accessible information, the study fosters greater citizen awareness and engagement in foreign policy discourse. In a democratic society, informed citizens are essential for holding leaders accountable and advocating for transparent and inclusive governance—even in the domain of international relations.

Lastly, this study has implications beyond Nigeria. As the most populous African nation and one of the continent’s largest economies, Nigeria’s foreign policy carries weight in regional and continental politics. The research provides a model for examining how domestic challenges—such as insecurity, corruption, and economic instability—impact a country’s external engagements. It also offers lessons for other African states seeking to balance sovereignty, regional leadership, and international cooperation. In doing so, the study not only advances national development but also contributes to a broader understanding of Africa’s place in global diplomacy.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is focused on Nigeria’s foreign policy from 2015 to 2023, corresponding to the two-term administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. It examines diplomatic strategies, bilateral and multilateral engagements, and institutional actors such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s missions abroad. The geographic scope includes Nigeria’s relations within Africa, especially ECOWAS, as well as with global powers like the United States, China, and the European Union.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

The definition of terms are buttressed below:

Foreign Policy: Foreign policy refers to the strategies, decisions, and actions adopted by a government to manage its interactions with other countries and international organizations. It encompasses areas such as diplomacy, trade, security cooperation, international aid, and global negotiations, all aimed at promoting and protecting a nation’s political, economic, and strategic interests abroad.

Administration: Administration, in the context of foreign policy, refers to the processes, institutions, and personnel responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a country’s foreign relations. It includes government ministries (such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), diplomatic missions, consular services, and other agencies that implement foreign policy decisions made by the executive branch of government.

Political Challenges: Political challenges are obstacles or difficulties that arise from the political environment, affecting decision-making, policy formulation, or governance. In foreign policy, political challenges may include internal instability, lack of political will, inter-agency conflicts, shifting leadership priorities, weak institutions, or public opposition that hinder the effective execution of foreign policy.

Implementation: Implementation refers to the practical steps and activities involved in putting foreign policy decisions into action. This includes diplomatic negotiations, international agreements, sending envoys, participating in global summits, managing embassies, and enforcing international commitments. Effective implementation requires coordination, adequate resources, institutional capacity, and consistent monitoring.

Project – Foreign Policy and its Administration 2015-2023