GOVT TODAY LECTURE

JAMB Government Lecture

RELATIONS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

1. Africa as the "Centre Piece" of Nigeria's Foreign Policy

Meaning: This means that Nigeria places Africa at the core of its foreign policy decisions and actions.

Guiding Principles:

• Promotion of African unity and solidarity
• Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
• Non-interference in internal affairs of other states
• Peaceful settlement of disputes
• Support for decolonization and anti-apartheid struggles

Implementation:

• Peacekeeping missions (Liberia, Sierra Leone)
• Financial and military support to African nations
• Leadership roles in African organizations

Implications:

• Enhances Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa
• High financial burden on Nigeria
• Strengthens regional cooperation

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2. NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development)

Origin: Established in 2001 by African leaders including Nigeria, South Africa, and Algeria.

Objectives:

• Eradicate poverty in Africa
• Promote sustainable development
• Integrate Africa into the global economy
• Encourage good governance

Implications:

• Improved economic cooperation
• Attracts foreign investment
• Encourages accountability in governance

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NIGERIA IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

1. United Nations (UN)

Origin: Founded in 1945 after World War II.

Objectives:

• Maintain international peace and security
• Promote human rights
• Encourage international cooperation

Structure:

• General Assembly
• Security Council
• International Court of Justice
• Secretariat

Functions:

• Peacekeeping missions
• Conflict resolution
• Humanitarian assistance

Achievements:

• Reduced global conflicts
• Promoted international law

Problems:

• Veto power abuse
• Funding challenges

Prospects:

• Reforms in Security Council
• Improved global cooperation

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2. Commonwealth

Origin: Association of former British colonies.

Objectives:

• Promote democracy
• Encourage development
• Foster unity among members

Functions:

• Election monitoring
• Educational cooperation

Achievements:

• Strengthened diplomatic ties

Problems:

• Lack of enforcement power

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3. Organization of African Unity (OAU)

Origin: Founded in 1963 in Addis Ababa.

Objectives:

• Promote unity among African states
• Support liberation movements

Achievements:

• Helped end colonial rule

Problems:

• Weak enforcement mechanisms

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4. African Union (AU)

Origin: Replaced OAU in 2002.

Objectives:

• Promote economic integration
• Ensure peace and security

Structure:

• Assembly of Heads of State
• Commission
• Peace and Security Council

Achievements:

• Peacekeeping operations
• Regional development initiatives

Problems:

• Dependence on foreign funding

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5. ECOWAS

Origin: Established in 1975.

Objectives:

• Promote economic integration
• Ensure regional peace

Structure:

• Authority of Heads of State
• Council of Ministers
• Commission

Functions:

• Peacekeeping (ECOMOG)
• Trade liberalization

Achievements:

• Conflict resolution in West Africa

Problems:

• Language barriers
• Funding issues

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6. OPEC

Origin: Founded in 1960.

Objectives:

• Control oil prices
• Coordinate petroleum policies

Functions:

• Regulate oil production

Achievements:

• Stabilized oil prices

Problems:

• Price fluctuations

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OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

1. African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA)

Objectives:

• Promote cooperation among African oil producers

Achievements:

• Improved collaboration in oil sector

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SUMMARY

• Nigeria places Africa at the center of its foreign policy
• International organizations help promote peace and development
• Each organization has strengths and weaknesses

POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS

1. Explain the concept of Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
2. Outline the objectives of NEPAD.
3. Discuss the structure of the United Nations.
4. State the achievements of ECOWAS.
5. Differentiate between OAU and AU.