A paradigm shift in nigeria’s foreign policy: from afrocentrism to economic and citizen diplomacy

Nigeria’s foreign policy since her independence in 1960 has been characterized by a major focus on Africa and by attachment to African unity and peaceful settlement of disputes in the continent, especially in the West African sub-region. In other words, Africa was seen as a natural habitat in which Nigeria can exercise direct influence in the pursuit of her national goals and objectives. Immediately after independence, Nigerian leaders believed that Nigeria was destined to lead the African continent and champion the cause of black people all over the world. Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy is premised on the understanding that it will be viewed by other actors in the international system through the binoculars of Africa. Under the framework of Afrocentrism, Nigeria got involved in the decolonization and liberation struggles in Africa, especially in Southern Africa. Prior to the end of the Cold War, Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust placed priority on Africa. Today, it has embraced economic and citizen diplomacy, a radical departure from her Afrocentric posture. This would encourage foreign investments and promote economic development, while citizen diplomacy is centred around the welfare of Nigerian citizens. This paper examines the rationale for this paradigm shift.