Outline four objectives of the foreign policy of any one West African country.

Explanation

Objectives of the Foreign Policy of Nigeria:

(i) Economic Cooperation: Nigeria took active part in the formation of ECOWAS. This was done to encourage economic co-operation and self-reliance among people of the sub-region.

(ii) Unity and Solidarity: Nigeria is at the forefront of promoting unity and solidarity among African States.

(iii) Regional/Sub-Regional disputes: Nigeria is playing an active role in the settlement of disputes and also in conflict mediation in Africa. For example, the formation of ECOMOG was directed towards that end in the sub-region.

(iv) Friendly relations: Nigeria has established friendly and diplomatic relations with member states of O.A.U.

(v) Non-interference in the domestic affairs of other States: Nigeria is respecting this objective, in line with the principles of the U.N.O, OAU, etc.

(vi) Non- Alignment: Nigeria is keeping faith with the principles of Non-Alignment which states that member states should not support the ideological stance of the power blocs.

(vii) Africa as Centre-piece: Nigeria has been consistent with this policy of Africa being the centre-piece of her foreign policy. The role Nigeria is playing in her membership of OAU and ECOWAS, such as giving of aids and assistance in financial terms, formation of ECOMOG, its role as a frontline state, etc, are facts supporting the above claim.

(viii) Respecting the principles governing international bodies: Nigeria has accepted to be a member of some of the global/regional organisations, thereby respecting the principles governing them, for example the U.N.O, Commonwealth, OAU, etc.

(ix) Promotion of World peace and Security: This is done in line with the objectives of U.N.O. Nigeria has been involved in peace-keeping operations globally.

(x) Creation of pan-African defence force: This will help in making Africa to be strategically self-reliant.

(xi) End to colonialism, racism, etc. Nigeria has strongly advocated for an end to colonialism and racism on the African continent. She contributed greatly in the dismantling of apartheid policy in South Africa and condemned outright neo-colonial influence globally.