Abstract
The paper provides a lucid analysis of Nigeria’s relationship with her immediate neighbours with a view to understanding the nature of her foreign policy towards the neighbouring countries. Nigeria has land borders with the Republics of Niger, Chad, Benin, and Cameroun, and also has maritime borders with the Republics of Benin, Chad, Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. It is clear from the available literature that Nigeria has good diplomatic relations with her immediate neighbours, albeit occasional border disputes which are often resolved amicably. It is recommended that as the most populous, most economically powerful, and most militarily powerful nation among the immediate neighbours, it is advisable for Nigeria to maintain good relations with her neighbours for the sake of her national interest.
Highlights
The nature of a country’s bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries and international organizations determine how the country is regarded and treated in the international community
Nature of Nigeria’s Relations with Her Immediate Neighbours As indicated earlier in the paper, two fundamental issues are instrumental to the nature of Nigeria’s relations with her immediate neighbours, namely: (i) The fact that Nigeria is surrounded by Francophone countries which are still disposed to France’s values and orientation; and (ii) The fact that the artificial boundaries that were imposed on these countries without taking cognizance of ethnic and historical affinities are still generating conflicts and animosity among neighbouring countries in West Africa as in the rest of Africa
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION In the light of the analysis in the preceding pages, it is unequivocally clear that Nigeria has kept faith with her principle of good neighbourliness in her dealings with her immediate and remote neighbours
Summary
The nature of a country’s bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries and international organizations determine how the country is regarded and treated in the international community. Peaceful co-existence and cooperation with both remote and immediate neighbours cannot be treated with levity by any country that desires to achieve her foreign policy objectives, especially the desire to achieve greatness and relevance within and beyond the country’s immediate geographical environment. This point is relevant and important to Nigeria which is playing a leadership role in West Africa and in the larger continent of Africa. This exercise is intended to provide a platform for assessing the nature of Nigeria’s relations with her neighbours since her independence in 1960
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