Afro-centrism as the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy: A historical misnomer in the aftermath of xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Africa centeredness of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in some African states. It argues that Nigeria’s utilization of her human and material resources for the greater good of African states was unrewarding and a commemoration of ingratitude and thus create the imperative for foreign policy review. The study argues that national interest consideration must be of primary importance as it necessarily explains the attitudes of states in the international system. It further held that the inappropriateness of “big brother” role in the face of palpable shortfalls in the management and running of the state manifests as a tacit admission of failure in governance. Using largely secondary sources and a few primary data, the study concludes that given the realities on ground in this new decade, there is an overbearing imperative to rejig Nigeria’s foreign policy to permit a wider and deeper consideration for the national interest.

Keywords

• national interest
• good neighborliness
• afro-centrism
• foreign policy
• frontline states