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

Answer Details

Nigeria's relations with her neighbouring states (Republic of Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon) have been shaped by several factors:

1. Geographical contiguity and shared borders: The long, porous land borders make cooperation on trade, migration and security unavoidable.
2. Common colonial and cultural ties: Ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Kanuri and Yoruba straddle the borders, creating kinship and cultural bonds that promote friendly relations.
3. Economic interdependence: Cross-border trade, Nigeria's large market, and shared use of resources like the Chad Basin and River Niger bind the states together.
4. Good-neighbourliness and non-interference: Nigeria's foreign policy principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbours guides its conduct.
5. Regional integration through ECOWAS: Membership of the Economic Community of West African States promotes free movement, economic cooperation and collective decision-making.
6. Security and defence concerns: Cross-border crimes, insurgency (for example Boko Haram) and smuggling have compelled joint military action such as the Multinational Joint Task Force.
7. Boundary disputes: Disagreements such as the Bakassi Peninsula dispute with Cameroon, resolved by the International Court of Justice, have affected relations.
8. Big-brother/leadership role: Nigeria's size, population and resources give it a leadership position, and it often extends aid and assistance to smaller neighbours.