The Role of Personalities in Nigeria’s Peacekeeping Operations in Africa

Abstract

This study examines the role of personalities in Nigeria’s contributions to PKOs in Africa and beyond. The paper argued that the successes achieved by Nigeria in PKOs would not have been possible without such personalities at the helm of affairs. The study established that the actions of characters involved in PKOs have both positive and negative consequences. The accumulation of experiences through its PKOs has helped develop the country’s security and economy and built sufficient institutions. In contrast, the country’s PKO policies had, at the same time, strengthened and enabled institutionalise corruption and indiscipline within the military and the general society at large, with mediocracy being the order of the day and compromises in almost all government businesses. The study recommends strengthening institutions – such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies rather than individuals.