Abstract

The study examined Nigeria’s Afro-centric foreign policy and regional stability in West Africa, from 1999-2018. It was established that West Africa, in the recent past, has been embroiled in unprecedented conflicts that threatened the peace and stability of the region. Thus, the manner and complexities of these crises call for a powerful regional actor, such as Nigeria, to mediate in the resolution of these crises to ensure stability in the region. To achieve the purpose of this study, research questions were advanced to determine the main objective of the study, which is to evaluate the impact of Nigeria’s Afro-centric foreign policy on regional stability in West Africa. The study adopts power theory as a theoretical framework. The study is qualitative and, therefore, used descriptive and historical research design methods. The sources of data collection were purely secondary. The finding of the study showed that Nigeria’s Afro-centric foreign policy has contributed greatly to regional stability. Conscious of the fact that the pursuits of economic development can only be realized in a peaceful and stable region, Nigeria has shown an unwavering commitment to peace and stability as seen in Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and recently in the Gambia where potentially destructive conflicts were successfully mediated and resolved. The study also found that Nigeria also stands to gain if her foreign policy is well-articulated and grounded in economic consideration as economic benefits of regional integration will flow into Nigeria, which is undoubtedly the economic hub of the region. The study makes a recommendation for the improvement and continuation of Afro-centric foreign policy, especially prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian citizenry, amongst other things using idealism.

Keywords

Foreign Policy, Regional Stability, West Africa, Idealism.

Citation (APA Format)

Hart, A. O. (2022). Nigeria’s afro-centric foreign policy and regional stability in West Africa; 1999-2018. International Journal of Politics, Law, and Management, 1(3).