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Question

Difficulty: MediumFormulation and Evolution of Nigeria's Foreign Policy Across Regimes

Following the lessons of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon actively spearheaded the formation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 primarily to achieve which foreign policy objective?

  1. Mitigate security vulnerabilities by fostering sub-regional economic integration and reducing external superpower influence in West AfricaAnswer
  2. B
    Promote continental isolationism by severing all political ties with Non-Aligned Movement member nations
  3. C
    Transform Nigeria into a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with veto power
  4. D
    Establish direct military rule over neighboring Francophone countries to enforce border security

Answer

Mitigate security vulnerabilities by fostering sub-regional economic integration and reducing external superpower influence in West Africa
The correct answer highlights how the Gowon administration derived critical foreign policy lessons from the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War. Recognizing that external powers exploited divisions in West Africa to support secessionist efforts, Nigeria pursued sub-regional integration via ECOWAS to foster economic interdependence and enhance collective security across West Africa.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical context of Nigeria's foreign policy post-Civil War under General Yakubu Gowon.
During the Civil War (1967–1970), Nigeria experienced security threats due to French support for Biafra and French leverage over neighboring Francophone states.
Understanding wartime diplomatic isolation highlights why Gowon's regime prioritized sub-regional stability.
2
Evaluate the strategic motive behind diplomatic efforts leading to the 1975 Treaty of Lagos creating ECOWAS.
Gowon and Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma championed ECOWAS to integrate Anglophone and Francophone West African economies, thereby neutralizing hostile foreign encirclement.
Economic integration served as a vehicle to achieve long-term political goodwill and sub-regional security.

Key Concept

Evolution of Nigeria's Foreign Policy under the Gowon Regime and ECOWAS Formation
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Formulation and Evolution of Nigeria's Foreign Policy Across Regimes