AN ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY FORMULATION UNDER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN’S ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Nations sought the attainment of distinct objectives in the process of governing their entities; some of which they attain on their own, while cooperating with other international actors (states and non-state actors like individuals and INGOs) to meet the more difficult goals. All the decisions, actions and inactions of nations involving the cooperation with or support from other entities transcending their borders to solve pending national and regional issues fall within the ambience of foreign policy. Seen as calculated, goal-oriented, and purposive activities altering or creating a condition outside the sovereign boundaries to gain national advantages, usually define vis-à-vis national interest, foreign policy has serious implication for nation”s international image. The study examines the extent to which Nigerian foreign policy under the Jonathan and Buhari administrations has impacted on the nation”s global image. The study relied on systematic qualitative content analysis of secondary data sources, and the rational choice theory was adopted as the tool of analysis for the study. A cursory thrust into the history of Nigeria”s foreign policy since independence revealed that the objectives and principles of the nation”s foreign policy have remained the same though with slight modifications. The study argues that the perception of Nigeria at the international level has been poor especially during the period under review. This is attributable to a number of factors like insecurity, corruption, and economic downturns. The paper, therefore, recommends the implantation of mindful efforts to curb insecurity and corruption through fortified institutional frameworks and effective surveillance hinged on resource provision and prudent use, economic diversification, and a re-definition agenda to create a new identity and image for Nigerians, by Nigerians.