Project Abstract

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria has been playing an unmatchable role in Africa since its independence in 1960 including especially its role in the eradication of colonialism in Africa and racism in the continent. Nigeria gave support to liberation movements in the continent. The measure of support it provided to freedom fighters in Africa is exemplified in the extra-ordinary role it played in bringing to an end apartheid regime in South Africa. Nigeria provided material support and finance to anti-apartheid movements throughout the struggle. Nigeria’s foreign policy revolves around Africa as the centrepiece and it has remained so from regime to regime. For this purpose Nigeria played a crucial role in the formation of the OAU.

Nigeria’s ability to mediate conflicts in the continent was instrumental to the formation of the group. From formation, Nigeria has continued to play major roles in Africa through the organization including the promotion of peace in the continent. Thus Nigeria’s peace role in Africa cannot be over emphasized because it spans even beyond its immediate sub-region including under AU and UN. Nigeria also played vital roles in the successful transformation of OAU to AU. It has also continued to play vital roles in the maintenance of the group; such important role could be seen from its contribution to the formation of both NEPAD and APRM. Nigeria has also been active in the pursuance of AU goals in Africa including the implementation of its charters. For example it has played major roles in the pursuance of democracy in the continent despite its own democracy being fragile. There is a clear disconnect between Nigeria’s role under AU and the socio-economic development of Nigeria. For example Nigeria’s political system remains fragile while its role under AU presents the state of Nigeria as one with strength and might. Lack of stability in Nigeria’s political system could be exemplified in the numerous socio-economic problems in the country; including especially the civil war from 1967-1960, religious riots, Niger-delta militant activities and the current Boko Haram insurgencies and threats in the country. Other socio-economic problems of Nigeria include poverty, corruption and lack of purposeful leadership in the country. Essentially, Nigeria has not been able to transform its role under AU to its national benefit.