The concept of national interest is fundamental to the survival and prosperity of any nation. It acts as the guiding compass for a country’s foreign policy, ensuring that decisions made at the highest level of government prioritize the nation’s well-being, security, and economic growth. For Nigeria, the protection and promotion of its national interest is not just a duty of the government—it is a necessity for maintaining its status and influence on the global stage. However, developments have raised concerns about whether Nigeria’s national interest is being adequately safeguarded, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The importance of a structured, principled approach to foreign policy cannot be overstated. This approach must be rooted in understanding the historical context of Nigeria’s relationships, the geopolitical landscape, and the core interests that define the nation’s place in the world.
The question that arises in light of President Tinubu’s foreign policy decisions is: Why is Nigeria so under his leadership? Why is the country seemingly yielding to external pressures, particularly from powers with whom it has had complex, often antagonistic relationships? Is it a lack of institutional guidance? Political expediency? Or is it a deeper issue of failing to prioritize Nigeria’s national interest?
For Nigeria, these interests are multifaceted, including national security, fostering economic development, maintaining regional influence, and safeguarding sovereignty. The integrity of Nigeria’s national interest is paramount to ensuring that its policies serve the long-term welfare of the people, rather than the short-term gains of political elites or foreign powers.
A key aspect of defending Nigeria’s national interest is understanding the forces that may attempt to unsettle or undermine these interests. These forces can be internal—such as political factions, economic elites, or groups seeking to destabilize the nation—and external, including foreign governments or international organizations that may have their own agendas. It is crucial for Nigerian leaders to be well-versed in these dynamics to ensure that foreign policy decisions are made with due regard for the country’s strategic priorities.
Nigeria’s national interest cannot be advanced by any single individual alone. It requires the concerted effort of various institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). However, one often-overlooked yet vital institution in Nigeria’s political landscape is the National Council of State. Comprising former heads of state, former presidents, and justices of the Federation—individuals who possess invaluable experience and insight into Nigeria’s national security and foreign policy—this body provides critical guidance for any president to avoid making hasty decisions that could jeopardize the country’s interests.
The National Council of State serves as a repository of historical and institutional knowledge, offering counsel on the origin of issues that may threaten Nigeria’s interests. This body provides a platform where leaders, both past and present, can deliberate on the intricacies of complex national and international issues. Unfortunately, the absence of proper consultation with this body—or any structured form of guidance—can result in costly missteps in foreign policy.
A glaring example of the lack of proper guidance in safeguarding Nigeria’s national interest under President Tinubu’s administration is his stance on the political crisis in Niger Republic. In an ill-advised moment, President Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, pushed for the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to intervene militarily in Niger. This move sparked widespread concern, both domestically and internationally, as it raised questions about the true motivations behind such a decision.
Historically, Nigerian leaders have been cautious about military interventions in the West African subregion and across Africa. This has been Nigeria’s principled position in the internal affairs of other states, acknowledging that such actions could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s security and economic stability. During the leadership of General Murtala Mohammed, military intervention was considered in Equatorial Guinea, and during General Sani Abacha’s regime, Nigeria intervened to restore an ousted government in Sierra Leone and helped thwart a coup in Guinea. However, these actions were only taken after careful consultation with key national security agencies, when Nigeria’s national interest—rather than the ego of a single leader—demanded it.
The current administration’s threat to intervene militarily in Niger, however, seemed to lack this level of strategic thought. Thus, it has disintegrated the ECOWAS, a project that Nigeria painstakingly nurtured over five decades. Nigeria’s own security challenges—ranging from insurgencies in the northeast to banditry and kidnappings in other parts of the country—should have been the primary consideration. Another area where Nigeria’s national interest seems to be compromised under President Tinubu is the country’s evolving relationship with France. Traditionally, France has been one of Nigeria’s longest-standing adversaries in the international arena. The legacy of France’s role in undermining Nigeria internationally, and its neocolonial influence in West Africa, has often put the two countries at odds—especially in the context of Nigeria’s dominant position in the region.
Under President Tinubu, however, there appears to be a shift towards a far more submissive approach to France. This includes cozying up to the French leadership, despite the historical subversive actions against Nigeria. Such a shift raises serious questions about the true motivations behind this sudden “romance” with France and whether it genuinely serves Nigeria’s best interests or is simply a sellout to foreign influence.
Nigerians have every right to be concerned that the country might be undermining its long-standing alliances and regional leadership by aligning too closely with a power that has historically interfered in its sovereign affairs. Nigeria’s national interest must always come first. While diplomatic relations are essential, they must be pursued with caution to ensure that Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic development are not compromised by external powers with competing interests.
When we look at past Nigerian leaders, we see a consistent pattern of cautious, principled leadership in foreign relations. Each of these leaders understood that Nigeria’s national interest should take precedence over the whims of foreign powers or fleeting political ambitions. This is especially evident when we compare President Tinubu’s approach to foreign relations, which at times seems reactive and opportunistic, to that of previous administrations.
One of the key lessons President Tinubu can learn from global powers is the consistency in pursuing national interests. For example, the United States, regardless of the political party in power, maintains consistent core national interests—economic security, national defense, and geopolitical influence. This consistency allows the U.S. to maintain a stable and predictable foreign policy that serves its long-term objectives, rather than short-term political gains.
Nigeria must similarly recognize that its national interest should transcend the politics of the moment. Nigeria should not be beholden to any foreign power, particularly those with historically adversarial relationships. Leaders like President Tinubu must be willing to assert Nigeria’s interests, even if it means saying “no” to certain foreign influences.
To thrive in the 21st century, Nigeria must adopt a foreign policy that is coherent, principled, and firmly rooted in the protection of its core national interests. This means that Nigerian leaders, including President Tinubu, must prioritize consultation, strategy, and consistency in their approach to international relations. Only then can Nigeria effectively defend and advance its national interest on the global stage.
