WAEC Government 2013 Theory question 111

Theory question 111

Nigeria's Foreign Policy

What factors have governed Nigeria's relations with her neighbouring states?

Show the model answer

Model answer

Any of:
1. Geographical proximity and common borders.
2. Common historical, ethnic and cultural ties across borders.
3. Economic interests: trade, ECOWAS.
4. Security: border disputes (e.g. Bakassi with Cameroon), smuggling, refugees, insurgency.
5. Nigeria's size and wealth (oil) and its 'big brother' role.
6. Membership of ECOWAS and AU.
7. Afrocentrism: Africa as centrepiece of foreign policy.
8. Colonial heritage: francophone neighbours with ties to France.
9. Good-neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence.

Explanation

Nigeria's neighbours are Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon; give examples.