An Assessment of Nigeria's Foreign Policy under the Buhari Administration: Priorities and Challenges
Keywords:
Foreign Policy, Buhari Administration, Nigeria, Diplomacy, ChallengesAbstract
The foreign policy of the Buhari administration in Nigeria has been faced with the challenge of policy inconsistency, domestic constraints and changing international dynamics that have cast doubt on whether the administration has been effective in promoting the national interests and international influence. The current empirical study explored the diplomatic policy of Nigeria during 2015-2023, focusing on its main goals and the challenges that accompany them. The study analysed foreign policy of Nigerian President Buhari through a qualitative research approach, particularly focusing on its priorities and challenges. The information was collected using secondary sources such as academic literature, governmental reports and reports by international organisations. A policy evaluation of policy effectiveness and barriers was carried out through an analytical research design. The salient themes were found through content analysis, whereas the relevance of the foreign-policy theories informed the understanding of the external relations of Nigeria in the period in question. Results indicate that there are continuities and changes in the diplomatic interactions of Nigeria before and after the Buhari regime. The research revealed priorities of core foreign-policy, including anti-corruption, security, and economic diplomacy, as well as successes. However, a number of setbacks such as economic limitations and lack of security were also noted. The analysis also evaluated the policy effectiveness and consistency, compared it to previous administrations, and its consequences in Nigerian regional leadership, international impact and future diplomatic orientation. The conclusion is that although the foreign policy of Buhari was in support of the traditional Afrocentric views of Nigeria, the net effect was limited by both internal and external factors. It is recommended to increase policy coherence and institutional capacity strengthening.
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