NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY AND THE LEADERSHIP QUESTION IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA

Abstract

Nigeria has long been regarded as the “giant of Africa,” wielding considerable influence as a distinguished leader in regional diplomacy, peacekeeping, and Pan-African initiatives. However, in recent decades, the country’s international standing has visibly declined, raising questions about its capacity to sustain continental leadership in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics. This article interrogates Nigeria’s dwindling influence in Africa through a political economy discourse, emphasizing how structural economic dependence, governance crises, and persistent insecurity have constrained its foreign policy projection. By situating Nigeria’s decline within broader debates on dependency and hegemonic stability, the paper highlights how domestic weaknesses intersect with global transformations to reshape power relations in Africa. Comparative insights also demonstrate how emerging regional players such as South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda increasingly occupy roles once dominated by Nigeria. The study concludes that reversing this decline requires Nigeria to undertake structural reforms, diversify its economy, and recalibrate its diplomatic engagements to align with the demands of contemporary African integration and global competition.