Corruption and Foreign Policy Formulation and Implementation in Nigeria: An Overview

Abstract

This paper examines the nexus of corruption and foreign policy formulation and implementation vis-avis the impacts on politics and governance in Nigeria. Using liberalism as a theoretical approach to capture the discourse, the paper relies on qualitative data collected from secondary sources. The study argues that political leadership and corruption are interwoven, with far-reaching implications for socio-economic development. The paper concludes that for Nigeria to experience political and socio-economic development, responsible and credible leaders must emerge to implant the act of good and selfless governance in the country through policy formulation and implementation. The study reveals that Nigeria has yet to benefit fully from the conduct of external relations since independence in 1960. This is because some of the domestic factors that determine Nigeria’s image (economy, military, demography, leadership, constitution, etc.) are not fully developed to give the nation the leverage to assert its influence at the regional level and on the global scene. It is, therefore, recommended that these factors that impede the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy should be looked into and resolved so that the country can benefit both from its domestic policy and foreign relations and maximize fully her potential rather than people turning the table for their benefit.