Nigeria’s National Strategic Interest on the Global Arena: Foreign policy initiatives, 2025 and beyond, by Arch Baba Isimi FNIA
In Defense of Reason
National Interest as a Vehicle of National Development
As Nigeria approaches 2025 and beyond, the emergence of ultra-nationalist governments in the Western world and the rise of autocratic governance in Eastern European nations and across the globe present significant challenges and opportunities for its development. In this shifting geopolitical landscape, the formulation and projection of Nigeria’s national interests and foreign policies will be pivotal. National interest serves as the cornerstone of a country’s foreign policy, guiding its interactions on the global stage. It is largely driven by domestic policies and the nation’s capacity to project influence beyond its borders. This capacity is shaped by the elements of national power, including military strength, economic stability, geographical advantages, intelligence, technology, population dynamics, political cohesion, and national psyche. The extent to which a nation develops these elements will determine its role on the global stage.
By examining the models of the United States, Britain, and France, Nigeria can derive lessons to enhance its foreign policy framework. This analysis will utilise the concepts of Core and Peripheral Interests, along with Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’s Concentric Circles and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers, to delineate Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
Global Models of National Interest
The United States exemplifies a model where national interest is often defined by military strength and economic dominance, allowing it to exert significant influence globally. Britain’s approach, rooted in historical Commonwealth ties, emphasises diplomatic relations and soft power. France, on the other hand, combines cultural diplomacy with regional influence in Africa, leveraging historical connections to maintain its presence. Nigeria can learn from these models by balancing hard and soft power and fostering partnerships that reflect its unique position in Africa.
Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Framework
Core interests: The inner circle
According to Prof. Ibrahim Gambari’s Concentric Circles, Nigeria’s core interests lie within its immediate neighborhood, particularly the ECOWAS sub-region. And Key core interests include:
1. Regional Security and Stability: Ensuring peace and combating threats such as terrorism and piracy is paramount.
2. Economic Integration and Cooperation: Strengthening economic ties within ECOWAS to enhance regional prosperity.
3. Protection of Nigerian Citizens Abroad: Safeguarding the interests and welfare of Nigerians in foreign nations.
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Regional Influence: The Second Circle
In the second circle, Nigeria must assert its leadership role within the African Union and ECOWAS, focusing on:
1. Promoting African Unity: Championing initiatives that foster solidarity among African nations.
2. Conflict Resolution: Engaging in peacekeeping missions, as demonstrated in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
3. Economic Collaboration: Encouraging trade and investment across West Africa.
Global Interests: The Third Circle
On the global stage, Nigeria’s interests encompass participation in international organizations such as the UN and WTO, advocating for reforms that reflect the aspirations of African nations. Key global interests include:
1. UN Reforms: Seeking equitable representation for African countries.
2. Global Economic Governance: Engaging in discussions on international trade and financial systems to ensure fair practices.
3. Climate Change Initiatives: Promoting sustainable development practices that address environmental challenges.
Peripheral Interests
Beyond core interests, Nigeria’s peripheral interests include:
1. International Cooperation on Security Issues: Collaborating with global partners to combat terrorism.
2. Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy: Building soft power through cultural initiatives.
3. Humanitarian Assistance: Providing development aid to countries in need.
Bolaji Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi advocates for Nigeria to align with other medium powers, such as Brazil, India, and South Africa. This approach aims to promote multipolarity, counterbalance dominant global powers, and advance shared interests. The establishment of BRICS, following the fall of the Soviet Union, exemplifies this strategy, and Nigeria has a significant role within this group. Through partnerships, Nigeria can enhance its influence in global governance and economic discussions, leveraging collective strengths to address common challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
1. Balancing Interests: Nigeria must navigate competing interests among its diverse ethnic and regional groups.
2. Infrastructure Deficits: Poor infrastructure hampers trade and economic integration.
3. Historical Grievances: Addressing past injustices is crucial for national cohesion.
Opportunities
1. Leveraging Regional Influence: Nigeria can enhance its role in promoting African unity and cooperation.
2. Strengthening Alliances: Collaboration with medium powers can advance Nigeria’s global interests.
3. Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on oil through diverse economic strategies can enhance resilience.
Policy Recommendations
To effectively project its national interests, Nigeria should consider the following recommendations:
1. Strengthen ECOWAS and African Union Institutions: Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of regional organisations.
2. Promote Economic Integration: Foster trade agreements that facilitate intra-African trade.
3. Engage Medium Powers: Nigeria must engage find accommodation within BRICS alliance particularly develop special relations with emerging medium powers like Brazil, India, and South Africa, Turkey and Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Poland , Hungary, Saudi Arabia , South Korea to promote multipolarity.
4. Inclusive Governance: Address historical grievances through policies that promote national unity.
5. Diversify the Economy: Invest in sectors beyond oil to build a sustainable economic future.
In shaping both domestic and foreign policies, Nigeria must focus on developing its elements of national power. This requires a political ideology that resonates with the populace, ideally rooted in constitutional principles that guide political behavior and leadership. For instance, the Chinese model, which is heavily influenced by Confucianism, underscores the importance of intellectualism in governance. Political parties should align closely with higher educational institutions to foster a more informed citizenry and leadership.
Moreover, while soft power remains relevant, the contemporary trend leans towards “smart power,” as articulated by Joseph Nye, which combines hard and soft power to create a more effective approach to foreign relations.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s foreign policy must prioritize core interests such as regional security and economic integration while balancing peripheral interests like international cooperation and cultural exchange. The frameworks provided by Prof. Gambari’s Concentric Circles and Prof. Akinyemi’s Doctrine of Concert of Medium Powers offer valuable insights for analyzing and projecting Nigeria’s interests on the global stage. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of international relations amid the rise of ultra-nationalism and autocracy, a strategic approach to its national interests will be essential for fostering development, stability, and leadership within Africa and beyond. By embracing these recommendations and focusing on enhancing its national power elements, Nigeria can position itself as a pivotal player in the evolving global landscape, ready to meet the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
Baba Isimi, FNIA, an architect, public affairs commentator and the Lead Convener National Integration Group, writes from Abuja.
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