From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s foreign policy to align with global dynamics, citing its uninspiring performance in the Fourth Republic.
NPSA National President Prof Hassan Saliu, in a press statement titled Nigeria’s External Outlook, expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s diminished influence in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where relations face obstacles.
Saliu noted Nigeria’s relegation from a leading African nation to a sub-regional player, with strained ties to China raising concerns about subservience. While Nigeria enjoys ties with the West, he questioned its independence, citing tensions with the Trump administration’s policies targeting Nigeria. Domestic politics, driven by a class structure fostering Western dependence, undermines external relations.
Despite early Fourth Republic gains—debt relief, global visibility, and security roles—Saliu said progress has declined, with Nigeria’s African leadership under threat. “All these indicate that democracy has not significantly impacted Nigeria’s foreign policy in the current republic,” he stated, noting reduced citizen engagement due to domestic challenges.
Saliu urged the federal government to fund foreign initiatives, strengthen the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s research, and address domestic issues. He recommended democratising policy through public debates, reviewing international memberships, amending the 1999 Constitution for transparent objectives, and managing Nigeria’s global image while mitigating Trump’s policy impacts.