Afrocentric Policy of Murtala/Obasanjo: Insight and Foresight for National Interest in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

This Study examined the foreign policy of Murtala/Obasanjo administration between 1975 and 1979. The study adopted a historical research method. In using this method, there was great reliance on secondary sources of data. Observations from the information in the sources were subjected to critical analysis and interpretations before conclusions were made. One preponderant phenomenon associated with the foreign policy of the Murtala/Obasanjo administration was Afrocentrism. The result of the study revealed that beyond the political grandstanding of Murtala/Obasanjo to liberate and stabilize sister Africa countries, little was known about the economic benefits of the administration’s foreign policy to the generality of Nigerian people. The study further showed that, during the period under review, Nigeria’s foreign policy mostly shot her into regional influence in Africa but could not visibly or strongly catapult her into global centre-stage. The Study recommended, among other things, that Nigeria’s policy cannot completely neglect participation in African affairs but it must draw from the insight of Afrocentrism to de-emphasize concentration on matters mostly relating to African countries, so as to strike a balance between caring for Africa and having the foresight that promotes national interest in Nigerian foreign policy.

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