Nigeria's Relations with African Countries | Jamb Government

Guiding Principles

1. Nigeria’s foreign policy since independence has been Afrocentric.
2. “Africa as the centrepiece” was formally adopted under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
3. The policy prioritizes the interests of African nations in Nigeria’s diplomatic agenda.
4. It is based on Pan-African ideals of unity, cooperation, and shared development.
5. Nigeria’s support for decolonization movements reflected its Afrocentric focus.
6. Non-interference in the internal affairs of African states is a core principle.
7. Nigeria champions peaceful resolution of African conflicts.
8. Solidarity with African nations guides Nigeria’s voting patterns at international forums.
9. The policy emphasizes mutual respect and equality among African states.
10. Nigeria supports African self-determination and sovereignty.
11. Economic cooperation and integration among African countries is encouraged.
12. Cultural and educational exchanges are key to strengthening Afrocentric diplomacy.
13. The policy promotes the strengthening of African institutions like the AU and ECOWAS.
14. Nigeria’s Africa-first stance influences bilateral and multilateral engagements.
15. The principle affirms Nigeria’s aspiration to lead and unify the African continent.
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Implementation

16. Nigeria funded liberation movements in South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique.
17. Nigeria contributed troops to peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.
18. Nigeria played a pivotal role in the formation and operation of ECOWAS.
19. Nigeria facilitated mediation efforts in Togo, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.
20. TAC (Technical Aid Corps) deployed Nigerian professionals to assist African development.
21. Nigeria provides scholarships to students from African countries.
22. Nigeria played an instrumental role in the transition from OAU to AU.
23. Nigerian leadership in regional conflict resolution has bolstered continental stability.
24. Nigeria has hosted numerous African summits and conferences.
25. Nigeria contributed to the establishment of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
26. Nigeria’s financial and logistical support has sustained ECOWAS operations.
27. Nigeria’s embassies in Africa promote intra-African trade and investment.
28. Nigerian civil society and NGOs partner with African counterparts on development projects.
29. Nigeria’s media and entertainment industries contribute to Africa-wide cultural integration.
30. Nigeria has ratified key African treaties and protocols swiftly to show commitment.
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Implications

31. Nigeria’s Afrocentric policy boosted its image as Africa’s “Big Brother.”
32. The policy has incurred heavy financial and human costs.
33. Nigeria’s commitment has not always been reciprocated by other African nations.
34. Domestic critics argue that resources used abroad could address local challenges.
35. Nigeria’s leadership role sometimes sparks envy or resistance from other African powers.
36. The policy has enhanced Nigeria’s voice in the AU and global South-South platforms.
37. Nigeria’s investments in Africa have yielded soft power and influence.
38. The policy has facilitated cross-border business and migration ties.
39. Nigeria’s credibility as a regional leader has occasionally suffered due to domestic instability.
40. Despite challenges, Africa remains central to Nigeria’s global strategy.
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NEPAD – Origin, Objectives, and Implications

Origin

41. NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) was established in 2001.
42. It was a merger of the Millennium Partnership for the African Recovery Programme (MAP) and the Omega Plan.
43. Key initiators included Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Wade.
44. NEPAD was adopted as a program of the African Union.
45. It was designed to address chronic underdevelopment and marginalization of Africa.
46. NEPAD emerged from a desire for African ownership of development strategies.
47. It reflects a shift from aid-dependence to partnership-driven development.
48. NEPAD was meant to align African development efforts with global support.
49. The initiative emerged from African leaders’ commitment to good governance and accountability.
50. NEPAD was endorsed by the G8 and international development partners.
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Objectives

51. Promote sustainable economic growth and development in Africa.
52. Eradicate widespread poverty across the continent.
53. Halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process.
54. Empower women and promote gender equality.
55. Foster good governance and democratic institutions.
56. Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Africa.
57. Enhance education and human capital development.
58. Improve infrastructure—transport, ICT, water, and energy.
59. Promote regional integration and intra-African trade.
60. Achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and later, the SDGs.
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Implications

61. NEPAD led to the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
62. It enhanced Africa’s ability to negotiate as a bloc with global powers.
63. NEPAD brought development issues to the center of AU activities.
64. It created a framework for accountability and performance-based governance.
65. NEPAD projects have attracted funding from international institutions.
66. It encouraged African countries to commit to reform and transparency.
67. The program improved donor confidence in African-led development.
68. Implementation challenges have limited NEPAD’s effectiveness in some areas.
69. NEPAD’s success depends on political will and institutional capacity.
70. It laid the groundwork for later AU development programs like Agenda 2063.
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the Role of Nigeria in Continental Affairs

71. Nigeria is a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and AU.
72. Nigeria played a leading role in transforming the OAU into the African Union.
73. Nigeria helped establish and fund ECOWAS, promoting regional integration.
74. Nigeria contributes significantly to AU peacekeeping operations.
75. Nigeria led diplomatic and military interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
76. Nigeria supported the fight against apartheid in South Africa diplomatically and financially.
77. Nigerian leaders have served in top AU positions and committees.
78. Nigeria has hosted major continental conferences, such as CHOGM and AU summits.
79. Nigeria backs African initiatives on climate change, migration, and youth empowerment.
80. Nigeria collaborates with South Africa and Egypt as Africa’s largest economies.
81. Nigeria pushes for AU reforms and equitable representation in global governance (e.g., UN Security Council).
82. Nigeria's foreign policy prioritizes regional peace and democratic governance.
83. Nigerian troops have served in Sudan (Darfur), Mali, and Somalia under AU missions.
84. Nigeria is a strong voice for debt relief and fair trade for African nations.
85. Nigeria hosts refugees from multiple African countries, showing continental solidarity.
86. Nigeria funds ECOWAS operations and initiatives significantly.
87. Nigeria facilitates cultural and educational exchange programs across Africa.
88. Nigeria’s media and Nollywood industry promote African unity and shared identity.
89. Nigeria supports African nations through technical and professional assistance (e.g., TAC).
90. Nigeria’s diplomacy often mediates in African crises, enhancing its peacemaker role.
91. Nigeria’s voice in the AU helps shape regional policy direction.
92. Nigeria’s electoral observers have helped ensure credible polls in Africa.
93. Nigeria pushes for African digital and technology integration.
94. Nigeria hosts and supports continental business forums and investment summits.
95. Nigeria’s influence shapes AU policies on youth, peace, and security.
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Assess the Role of NEPAD in Developing Africa

96. NEPAD promotes African ownership of development programs.
97. NEPAD prioritizes capacity building in public institutions.
98. It provides a coordinated framework for continental development planning.
99. NEPAD introduced performance monitoring through the APRM.
100. The initiative fosters infrastructure development through the PIDA framework.
101. NEPAD’s agriculture program (CAADP) improves food security and productivity.
102. It bridges African countries and global development partners.
103. NEPAD aids harmonization of development efforts across the AU.
104. NEPAD advocates for science and technology advancement in Africa.
105. NEPAD supports youth and gender empowerment initiatives.
106. It drives investment in renewable energy across African regions.
107. NEPAD fosters cross-border collaboration on transport and logistics.
108. NEPAD provides a platform for civil society participation in development.
109. The initiative enhances education through school-feeding and digital learning programs.
110. NEPAD supports disaster risk management and climate resilience planning.
111. It improves public financial management in participating countries.
112. NEPAD projects are increasingly aligned with AU Agenda 2063.
113. It helps countries improve transparency and reduce corruption.
114. NEPAD aids in mobilizing domestic and international resources for development.
115. The program promotes health sector strengthening across Africa.
116. NEPAD enhances regional cooperation on trade and policy harmonization.
117. It supports post-conflict reconstruction in fragile states.
118. NEPAD contributes to building a digital and knowledge-based African economy.
119. It is instrumental in developing continental frameworks for innovation.
120. NEPAD continues to evolve as a key platform for Africa-driven progress.

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