FACTORS OF GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND CULTURE IN NIGERIA'S RELATIONS WITH HER NEIGHBOURS

Abstract

Nigeria's geographical location brings with it strengths and weaknesses which derive from its size, population, ethnic spread, its natural resource endowment and the level of development they help to sustain. However, these strengths, ironically„ embody weaknesses as well. Un-controlled growth in population, ethnic tensions, under-development of the human and natural resource base would cripple rather than strengthen a country. It is therefore not surprising that these strengths and weaknesses have excited among Nigerians and their neighbours a mix of expectations, success, limitations and even failures in Nigeria's responses to the challenge posed by the twin factors of geography and neighbours. This essay identifies and examines these strengths and weaknesses. It will establish their relevance to the national interest and how they are or may be exploited to achieve or hinder. the country's broad foreign policy objectives, especially as they relate to our immediate neighbours. for the avoidance of any ambiguity, immediate neighbours, in the context of this essay means the sovereign states of Benin, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Equitorial Guinea. The descriptive terms "neighbour", neighbouring, or the more specific "contiguous", are used, in the essay, interchangeably to describe the same states. Similarly, the word "responses" is used to denote the initiatives or coherent strategies employed by Nigeria to achieve specific domestic and foreign policy goals in her interaction with her neighbours. The problem therefore consists in identifying these responses, examining their relevance to specific problems posed by the reality of our neighbours and establishing whether these responses reflect a judicious exploitation of our strengths. The scope of the study is limited principally, to the immutable facts of geography and history as they impact on relations-between Nigeria and her neighbours. It recognises the relevance of theoretical concepts but it is more concerned with the practicalities of every-day interaction between the countries as sovereign states and their populations as dynamic components of international relations. It draws largely from the practical experience of the author who, as a career diplomat, has had the privilege of observing closely, the challenges and responses of Nigerian foreign policy int he West African sub-region. Through its seven Chapters, the study progresses from an examination of some available and relevant literature, to identify factors that enhance or inhibit positive relations between the target countries, Nigeria's responses to specific challenges and finally, to proffer specific recommendations. Recommendations are made for the formulation and implementation of policies that enhance our country's ability to interact more positively and profitably with her neighbours. Recommendations are made, among others, for qualitative development of our vast human resources, stimulation of the national economy through a sustained development of the productive sector and the consolidation of the instruments of dialogue and cooperation with our neighbours. Hopefully, the essay will contribute to available knowledge and excite more enquiry on the subject. It should make useful reading for diplomats - especially the younger generation of Nigerian diplomats.