ABSTRACT
Foreign relations encompasses all interactions between sovereign states, including trade, diplomacy, war, and foreign policy. It also includes relationships with and among other international actors, including multinational corporations, international legal bodies, and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs and INGOs). The area of foreign relations that addresses defense, security, and international political relations is known as foreign policy. Regardless of whether it is a legitimate form of government or not, military rule or government is recognized as one that is run by armed forces. The military's intervention in Nigerian politics was justified by the following: the emergence of rebel groups, authoritarianism, unhealthy rivalry between the major tribes, corrupt leadership, regional political differences, and foreign complicity.1
With concerns about promoting independence, opposing colonialism and apartheid, and combating discrimination against Black people both within and outside of Africa, Nigeria's foreign policy has been shaped by a consistent factor that has remained central to Africa since the country's independence in October 1960. Following Nigeria's independence, Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the country's first prime minister, advocated for non-alignment and demonstrated a comparatively strong commitment to it. He also adopted a conservative and pro-Western stance. Balewa established the framework for Nigeria's afrocentric policy, also known as the principle of Africa as the focal point of Nigeria's foreign policy, on the grounds that the liberation of all African states must accompany Nigeria's independence in order for it to be complete and meaningful.2
Following the failed coup attempt on January 15, 1966, spearheaded by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major General Aguyi Ironsi assumed the role of Head of State and Commander-in-Chief while upholding the foreign policy goals of Prime Minister Sir Balewa, whom he succeeded. After declaring that the nation would always maintain friendly ties with other nations, refrain from interfering in internal affairs, and proceed with caution when intervening in African crises, he severed diplomatic ties with Portugal upon closing its mission in Lagos.3
Ironsi faced difficulties in his foreign policy dealings. Some people chastised him for having strong connections to China and the Soviet Union. Some African leaders also opposed him, believing he wasn't doing enough to help the continent's liberation movement. Many people in the regions were offended by the Major's decision to abolish Nigeria's federal structure and impose a unitary government, which heightened tensions and ultimately aided in the 1967 start of the Nigerian Civil War. In 1966, General Yakubu Gowon succeeded Aguiyi-Ironsi as the military Head of State. He held the position from August 1, 1966, to July 29, 1975. Gowon reiterated the foreign policy goals set at independence. They included being involved in the UN actively, supporting regional cooperation, advocating for pan-African solidarity through the Organization of African Unity (OAU), supporting anti-colonial and liberation movements especially those in southern Africa and remaining neutral in the East-West conflict.
During the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1966 to 1970, his administration successfully stopped Biafran from seceding, and it oversaw an unprecedented rise in oil revenues and increased government spending. Nigeria formed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 along with other West African nations. During the Gowon administration, Nigeria led the way in cooperative negotiations with the European Economic Community, and a sizeable amount of its newly acquired wealth was utilized to improve the lot of other African countries and people. The Nigerian Civil War also influenced Gowon's foreign policy (1967–1970).Nigeria's economy and foreign relations were adversely affected by the war. Gowon, however, gained more international recognition and solidified his position as Nigeria's leader thanks to his successful handling of the conflict.4
After a military coup overthrew General Yakubu Gowon's government in 1975, General Murtala Mohammed took over. Mohammed immediately began a campaign of widespread purges against corruption in the civil service, targeting senior officials who had been given unusual latitude in governing the nation since 1966. Mohammed also made it clear that he wanted Nigeria to have an extremely active foreign policy, saying that the country "must be visible in the world." The "Nigeria first" philosophy, which Mohammed instituted, directed the nation's relations with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and deviated from the Balewa government's Afro-centric.5
Murtala's foreign policy bolstered Nigerian pride and nationalism. Many Nigerians interpreted his support for African liberation movements as evidence of Nigeria's dedication to African unity and its readiness to defend its values. There were some who disagreed with Murtala's foreign policy. Some detractors claimed that Nigeria was squandering too much money on African liberation movements, which was taking funds away from the country's own development requirements.
This study provides an in-depth analysis of Nigeria's foreign policy experiences from 1966 to 1979 when it was ruled by the military. The energy and impact of the various military dictators, who prioritized Africa's liberalization from the continent's independence until 1966, as well as their external ties to the superpowers (Britain, the United States, Russia, etc.).
