(a) What is foreign policy of a country? (b) State the main objectives of Nigerian foreign policy.

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of foreign policy

Foreign policy is the set of principles, objectives and strategies that guide a country's relations and dealings with other countries and international organisations, in order to protect and promote its national interest in the international community.

(b) Main objectives of Nigerian foreign policy

1. Protection of national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
2. Africa as the centrepiece of foreign policy: Commitment to the liberation, unity and development of the African continent.
3. Promotion of world peace and international cooperation through bodies such as the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS.
4. Non-alignment: Refusal to align permanently with any power bloc, while maintaining friendly relations with all nations.
5. Respect for the sovereign equality of all states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
6. Promotion of economic and technical cooperation to attract investment and trade for national development.
7. Peaceful settlement of international disputes.
8. Protection and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.