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

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.