ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, 2010-2015

Abstract

This study examines Nigeria’s Foreign Policy under President Goodluck Jonathan: 2010-2015. The study analysed the foreign policy thrust of Goodluck Jonathan, its impact on National Development and challenges that hindered economic growth. The broad objective of this study is to critically assess Nigeria’s foreign policy under Goodluck Jonathan’s and to determine its impact on her foreign relations. In other to have a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the focus of the study, three (3) theories (Decision-making theory, Linkage Theory and Soft Power) were considered as a framework of analysis, however, Soft Power Theory was adopted as the most suitable. The study also made use of the primary and secondary data which involved structured and unstructured interview and document analysis as its research methodology, while the qualitative descriptive analysis and simple percentage was employed to analyse data generated. One of the major findings of this study was that although Nigeria was embroiled in issues that threatened her national security, creating perception that had devastating effects on Nigeria’s image and external relations, however, no government is either extremely bad or perfect and since good governance is a process, the Jonathan administration made significant landmark in projecting Nigeria foreign policy both in Africa and in the Global world. The study therefore concludes that Nigeria policy initiatives of Jonathan was focused more than ever before on Nigeria’s domestic priorities especially as captured in Jonathan’s agenda it was however bedevilled by several domestic factors. The study therefore recommends the goal of Nigeria’s foreign policy should aim at addressing our domestic problems in other to project Nigeria as a soft power in Africa and in the global world, and Government must also ensure consistency, transparency and accountability in governance, this would impact positively in its foreign policy.