In what ways does Nigeria maintain friendly relations with other African States?.

Answer Details

Nigeria has consistently made Africa the centrepiece of its foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with other African states in the following ways:

1. Active membership of African organisations: Nigeria is a leading and founding member of the African Union (formerly OAU) and ECOWAS, using these bodies to promote cooperation, unity and good relations with other African states.
2. Financial and material assistance: Nigeria gives economic aid, grants, loans and relief materials to needy African countries, and established the Nigerian Trust Fund and the Technical Aid Corps to assist other African nations.
3. Peacekeeping and conflict resolution: Nigeria contributes troops and resources to peacekeeping operations, notably leading ECOMOG interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and mediating in disputes among African states.
4. Support for liberation movements and anti-apartheid struggle: Nigeria gave moral, material and diplomatic support to freedom fighters in Southern Africa and was a frontline campaigner against apartheid in South Africa.
5. Exchange of diplomatic representatives: Nigeria establishes and maintains embassies and high commissions in other African capitals, promoting dialogue and cooperation.
6. Provision of technical manpower and scholarships: Through the Technical Aid Corps, Nigeria sends doctors, teachers and other professionals to serve in other African countries, and offers scholarships to African students.
7. Signing of treaties and bilateral agreements: Nigeria enters into agreements on trade, culture and security with fellow African states to strengthen ties.
8. Non-interference and respect for sovereignty: Nigeria respects the territorial integrity and independence of other African states and settles disputes peacefully.
9. Economic and trade cooperation: Nigeria promotes cross-border trade and joint development projects with neighbours and other African partners.