Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Goals in Peacekeeping Operations in Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/id.v28i1.1573Abstract
Abstract: In line with its foreign policy objectives, Nigeria, since its
independence, has been participating in Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs)
in Africa. It was in recognition of the country’s commitment to the United
Nations’ (UN) objectives of maintaining peace and security that made it
contribute troops to the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC) for the first time
in 1960. For more than fifty years, Nigeria has continued to make giant strides
and commitment in this regard. This paper examines the benefits it derives
from participating in PKOs in Africa under the UN, OAU (now AU) and the
ECOMOG. Using both primary and secondary data, the paper argues that a
normative anxiety was the primary motivating factor for Nigeria’s involvement
in PKOs in Africa. This is driven by the idiosyncrasies of the country’s leaders
since its independence in 1960. Nigeria’s decision-makers are confident that its
participation in PKOs serves a number of foreign policy goals and provides for
the nation’s interests. The effort promotes the country’s prestige and influence
in the comity of nations and in Intergovernmental Organisations (the UN, AU
and ECOWAS).