Nigeria First Foreign Policy: Dimensions, Implications and Benefits

Abstract

Nigeria First Foreign policy places greater premium on Nigeria and Nigerians as the epicentre or core of the country’s engagement with the international community, it is not a xenophobic rendition that is reminiscence of an isolationist or protectionist aspiration. Nigeria has never considered the existence of other countries within its concentric circle as threats to peace, security, development and survival. The progressive understanding of Nigeria First Foreign Policy encourages members of the international community to identify with the country in the struggle to building sustainable peace, security and development for the present generation of Nigerians and generations yet unborn. Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs made the declaration in the presence of the members of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria in the appreciation of their commitment and identifying with the country at its trying times with humanitarian assistance and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to combat the rising threats to peace, security and development. Indeed, the aspiration to increasingly contribute and play frontline role in global affairs informed the decision of the President (Muhammadu Buhari) to dispatched former President Goodluck Jonathan to mediate and broker peace among disputing parties in the Malian crisis and the efforts of Nigeria to ensure democratic consolidation across its sphere of influence including in the Gambia.