Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa and a key player on the continent, has long been at the forefront of discussions on regional security, diplomacy, and economic cooperation within West Africa. As a member of various international organisations and a major oil producer, Nigeria has positioned itself as a potential leader within West Africa.

However, its foreign policy approach often raises questions about whether it truly exhibits leadership in the region or whether it has chosen a path of isolation. This essay critically examines Nigeria’s foreign policy in West Africa, analysing its historical context, leadership ambitions, challenges, and the current trajectory that sometimes seems to lean towards a more inward-looking posture.

Historical context of Nigeria’s foreign policy in West Africa Nigeria’s foreign policy in West Africa has been shaped by its colonial legacy, regional dynamics, and domestic considerations. Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s leaders were determined to carve out a leadership role for the country in both regional and continental affairs. Nigeria’s foreign policy during the early years of independence was significantly influenced by the Pan-African ideals of its first Prime Minister, Sir AbubakarTafawa Balewa. Balewa sought to strengthen Nigeria’s role in promoting African unity and decolonisation, positioning the country as a champion for independence movements across Africa. 

This early emphasis on Pan-Africanism was reflected in Nigeria’s involvement in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. Nigeria also played a prominent role in supporting liberation movements in Southern Africa, particularly against apartheid in South Africa and Portuguese colonialism in Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique. However, the most notable display of Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa occurred in the 1990s, particularly during the Liberian and Sierra Leone civil wars.

Nigeria, through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its military arm, ECOMOG, led regional peacekeeping missions, reinforcing its position as a regional leader. Despite these efforts, Nigeria’s foreign policy has often been criticized for its inconsistent execution and apparent lack of long-term strategic vision. Several factors, including military coups, leadership changes, economic crises, and security challenges, have periodically undermined Nigeria’s regional ambitions, leading to moments of disengagement and introspection.

Nigeria as a regional leader: The Ambition to lead
Nigeria’s aspirations to lead West Africa are clear, but its actions in practice sometimes fall short of these ambitions. The country has frequently invoked its “leadership role” within ECOWAS, with the aim of maintaining regional stability and promoting economic integration.

Nigeria has also sought to use its military and economic might to influence political outcomes across West Africa. For instance, Nigeria’s intervention in the 1990s in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) provided vital support for the peace processes in both countries. These interventions were widely seen as a manifestation of Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining regional peace, showcasing the country’s ability to lead by example. Additionally, Nigeria has actively participated in the formulation of ECOWAS policies aimed at fostering regional integration. The country has been a proponent of the West African Common Market and has worked towards creating a single currency for the region.

Nigeria’s leadership role is also reflected in its significant contributions to the regional economy, where it serves as a major trading partner and an investor in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Nigeria’s political and diplomatic influence is not confined to the region alone. The country’s membership in international organisations, such as the African Union (AU), the United Nations, and the Non-Aligned Movement, has bolstered its credibility as a continental and global player.

Nigerian leaders have consistently used these platforms to advocate for the interests of West Africa, positioning the country as a voice for African unity and progress on the world stage. However, Nigeria’s aspirations for leadership in West Africa are often tempered by a series of internal and external challenges. The country’s political instability, corruption, and inconsistent foreign policy direction have sometimes undermined its effectiveness in the region. This has raised questions about Nigeria’s ability to balance its regional leadership ambitions with the domestic challenges it faces.

Challenges to Nigeria’s leadership role
Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa has not been without its difficulties. Internally, Nigeria grapples with a complex political landscape, characterised by ethnic and religious divisions, corruption, and economic instability. These domestic challenges often distract the government from focusing on regional diplomacy, leading to inconsistent foreign policy positions. For example, during periods of political instability, such as the military regime of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, Nigeria’s international standing suffered, and its involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts waned.

Externally, Nigeria’s foreign policy is also impacted by the dynamics of regional and international relations. While Nigeria has historically enjoyed close relations with countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, its relationship with some of its neighbors has been less harmonious. Border disputes, trade imbalances, and competition for regional leadership often strain Nigeria’s relations with its West African counterparts.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s regional leadership role is the issue of security. Nigeria’s military interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone were seen as effective, but the country’s capacity for similar peacekeeping missions has been limited in recent years. The rise of extremist groups such as Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria and the broader Sahel region has diverted attention and resources away from regional leadership. Furthermore, Nigeria’s struggles with internal security have made it difficult to focus on addressing the security challenges of neighboring countries, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Another significant challenge is Nigeria’s economic crisis. Despite its vast natural resources, including oil, Nigeria has faced repeated economic recessions, high unemployment rates, and significant poverty levels. These issues not only affect Nigeria’s domestic stability but also constrain its ability to project power and influence in West Africa. Regional integration initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), have proven difficult to implement, partly due to Nigeria’s internal economic struggles and the political opposition it faces to greater integration.

A shift towards isolationism?
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy, marked by a more cautious and inward-looking approach. Under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on domestic economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and national security.

This shift has sometimes been interpreted as a retreat from Nigeria’s historical role as a regional leader in West Africa. Buhari’s administration prioritised tackling Boko Haram insurgency and addressing corruption within Nigeria, but this focus on internal challenges led to a perception of neglect of regional issues.

Nigeria’s stance on several regional crises, such as the political instability in Mali and the recent coups in Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has often been marked by a reluctance to take decisive action. While Nigeria remains a member of ECOWAS, its responses to military coups in West Africa have been less assertive, with the country sometimes aligning with the broader West African bloc rather than taking the lead in conflict resolution. 

Additionally, Nigeria’s recent economic difficulties have made it less inclined to prioritise regional integration and economic cooperation. Trade within West Africa has become increasingly important for the region’s stability, yet Nigeria’s protectionist policies and reluctance to open its markets have contributed to tensions within ECOWAS and other regional organisations.

Leadership or isolation?
Nigeria’s foreign policy in West Africa is a complex balancing act between leadership ambitions and the challenges of internal stability. While the country has made notable contributions to regional peacekeeping, diplomacy, and economic cooperation, its effectiveness as a regional leader has often been hampered by domestic challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and economic instability. In recent years, Nigeria has appeared to retreat from its traditional role as the dominant power in the region, opting for a more isolationist stance as it deals with pressing internal issues. 

Whether Nigeria will resume its position as a regional leader in West Africa depends largely on how it addresses these internal challenges and whether it can reconcile its domestic priorities with its regional ambitions.

To regain its leadership role, Nigeria must adopt a more consistent and strategic foreign policy approach that emphasises both national and regional interests. With the right balance, Nigeria can emerge as a true leader in West Africa, capable of promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity for the region. However, this will require a shift in priorities and a stronger commitment to regional cooperation.
Udenka is a Social and Political Analyst. He wrote from, #AfricaVisionAdvancementTrust.