How has Nigeria shown that Africa is the centre-piece of her foreign policy?

Answer Details

How Nigeria has shown that Africa is the centre-piece of her foreign policy

1. Leadership in forming the OAU and AU. Nigeria was a founding and leading member of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) and has consistently funded and supported it.
2. Founding of ECOWAS (1975). Nigeria spearheaded the creation of the Economic Community of West African States to promote regional integration and development.
3. Peacekeeping in Africa. Nigeria led and largely financed ECOMOG interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone and contributed troops to missions in the Congo, Sudan, Chad and elsewhere.
4. Anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggle. Nigeria gave money, arms and diplomatic support to liberation movements in Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, and set up a Southern Africa Relief Fund.
5. Recognition of the MPLA in Angola. Nigeria influenced other African states to recognise the MPLA government, opposing external interference.
6. Technical and financial aid. Through the Technical Aid Corps, Nigeria sends professionals to other African and Caribbean countries and gives financial assistance.
7. Front-line diplomacy. Nigeria consistently champions African causes at the UN and other world bodies and mediates in African conflicts.
8. Concessions to neighbours. Nigeria has extended oil and financial concessions to needy African states.