Nigeria's Foreign Policy Under The Military

Nigeria's foreign policy under military regimes played a crucial role in shaping the country's global standing and reinforcing its influence across the African continent. During periods of military rule, foreign policy decisions were often centralized and driven by national interest, regime legitimacy, and Nigeria's ambition to assert itself as a regional power. This paper examines the trajectory of Nigeria’s foreign policy during its various military regimes, particularly from the 1960s to the 1990s, highlighting key strategies, notable achievements, and persistent challenges. It explores the fundamental principles that guided these decisions, such as Afrocentrism, non-alignment, and pan-African solidarity, and assesses how these principles translated into practical diplomatic actions. Special attention is given to Nigeria’s leadership in regional peacekeeping missions, its mediation roles in African conflicts, and the pursuit of economic diplomacy aimed at promoting trade and development partnerships. The study further evaluates the implications of authoritarian governance on diplomatic engagement and international perception. The paper concludes by offering recommendations on how Nigeria can sustain its diplomatic legacy, strengthen regional cooperation, and address the institutional and strategic shortcomings rooted in its military-dominated foreign policy era