CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

A foreign policy involves the adoption of certain policies and approaches employed by a state while dealing with other states and international actors. This involves diplomatic, economic, and security engagements for achieving the objectives of that particular state. Foreign policy in Nigeria has traditionally revolved around some guiding themes, which include African unity, non-alignment, economic cooperation, and regional leadership among others.

The coming into power of President Bola Tinubu in May 2023 marked a new era in the foreign policy of Nigeria, with many changes taking place. Economic diplomacy and regional security have been given due importance in the policies pursued by President Bola Tinubu. According to some scholars, his foreign policy approach could be termed as practical and pragmatic in nature (Adekeye, 2024).

A significant feature of the foreign policy of Tinubu is the promotion of Nigeria’s leadership position in West Africa through ECOWAS. Nigeria has been actively involved in resolving political conflicts in the region, such as coups and democratization. As Okeke states, “the leadership of Tinubu in ECOWAS shows that Nigeria continues to work towards ensuring peace and democracy in the region” (2023).

Also, the administration of Tinubu has been actively working on attracting foreign investments and developing relations with powerful countries in the world. Among the partners were the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. These partnerships have aimed to increase trade activities, develop the infrastructure sector, and improve technology in Nigeria (Olawale & Ibrahim, 2025)..

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Though Nigeria has had a long history of involvement in the politics of Africa, there have been many problems in executing a successful foreign policy for the country. Problems like economic and political instability as well as security threats have posed numerous problems for the country.

In the current presidency under Bola Tinubu, many issues have emerged about the performance of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Though his government seems proactive in terms of international politics and affairs, there are some doubts about how long this process will sustain and benefit the nation.

Moreover, there are many changes in the global political environment which may pose further problems for Nigeria’s foreign policy. It is therefore essential that the strengths and weaknesses of foreign policy of Bola Tinubu be identified for evaluating its effectiveness.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Specific objectives are to:

1. Analyze the key priorities of Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu.
2. Examine Nigeria’s role in regional organizations such as ECOWAS.
3. Assess the impact of Tinubu’s foreign policy on Nigeria’s international relations.
4. Identify challenges facing the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the main priorities of Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu?
2. How has Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS evolved under Tinubu’s leadership?
3. What impact has Tinubu’s foreign policy had on Nigeria’s global relations?
4. What challenges affect the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy?

1.5 Hypotheses

H₀₁: There is no significant change in Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu. H₀₂: Tinubu’s foreign policy has no significant impact on Nigeria’s international relations.

H₁₁: There is a significant change in Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Tinubu. H₁₂: Tinubu’s foreign policy significantly impacts Nigeria’s international relations.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research paper will be useful to policymakers, researchers, and international relations students. It will offer valuable information about the trend and efficiency of Nigeria's foreign policy under President Tinubu.

Moreover, the research paper will add to the existing body of knowledge concerning African foreign policy through a modern-day perspective on Nigeria's foreign policy. It will also assist policymakers in recognizing areas that can be improved to protect the national interest of Nigeria in the international environment..

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from 2023 to the present. It examines key areas such as economic diplomacy, regional leadership, and international partnerships.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The study may encounter the following limitations:

Data is limited because of the relative recency of the administration. Relying on second-hand information from journal articles and policy papers. The dynamic environment of international politics and potential impacts on the validity of the findings.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Foreign Policy: It is a set of policies and acts pursued by a country in dealing with its international relationships.

Economic Diplomacy: This refers to the act of pursuing trade and economic growth through foreign policy.

Regional Leadership: The leadership that a country plays in affecting the political and economic affairs in its region.

International Relations: These refer to the relations between countries characterized by diplomatic, economic, and cooperative affairs.

National Interest: This refers to the interest that a country wishes to pursue in its dealings with other nations.