ABSTRACT
With a host of problems to face upon taking office on May 29, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari's administration faced a worsening security situation due to sects like Boko Haram, massive corruption across all levels of government, and spiralling oil prices.¹ These factors interacted with one another to affect the national economy, necessitating immediate and practical action. President Muhammadu Buhari has resorted to frequent foreign trips in his foreign relations, seemingly as a response. These missions aimed to rally support for the war on insurgency, facilitate the return of stolen or hidden funds, entice new investors and financial flows, encourage infrastructure development, and boost export trade for Nigeria.
During President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure from 2015 to 2019, Nigeria maintained diplomatic relations with several Middle Eastern countries, with a focus on strengthening economic, political, and security ties. One of the key aspects of President Buhari's foreign policy towards the Middle East was addressing terrorism and extremism. Nigeria faced significant security challenges, particularly from the terrorist group Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2015. Recognizing the need for international cooperation, Buhari sought support from Middle Eastern nations in countering terrorism.³
Buhari's administration engaged in discussions and negotiations with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Iran to explore potential areas of cooperation. These discussions aimed to enhance collaboration in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and finance. By attracting investment and expanding trade ties with Middle Eastern nations, Buhari aimed to stimulate economic growth and development in Nigeria.
