Nigeria, an African great power: Foreign policy tradition and historical challenges
Publish date: 2026-05-07
Report number: FOI-R--5872--SE
Pages: 61
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- Nigeria
- foreign policy
- regional power
- ECOWAS
- Africa
- African Union
- international relations
Abstract
At a time when the world appears to be moving towards a more multipolar and fragmented order it is important to deepen our knowledge about regional powers. This report focuses on Nigeria as a foreign policy actor. In order to understand the priorities, values and strategies that have formed Nigeria's foreign policy, this report describes and analyses Nigeria's foreign policy self-perception as well as its foreign policies since independence in 1960 at three levels: 1.) its immediate neighbourhood and West Africa, 2.) Africa, and 3.) internationally. The report shows that Nigeria's foreign policy priorities and strategies have been shaped by Nigeria's status and self-image as a regional power, which has entailed a strong focus on its neighbourhood and Africa. The report also outlines internal factors that have limited Nigeria's foreign policy ambitions. To conclude, the report discusses the future prospects for Nigeria's ability to carry out a more active and effective foreign policy at both the regional and international levels.