CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background To The Study

Nigeria has been playing an unmatchable role in Africa since its independence in 1960 including especially its role in the eradication of colonialism in Africa and racism in the continent. Nigeria gave support to liberation movements in the continent. The measure of support it provided to freedom fighters in Africa  is exemplified in the extra-ordinary role it played in bringing to an end apartheid regime in  South  Africa.  Nigeria  provided material support and  finance to anti-apartheid movements  throughout  the struggle.  Nigeria’s foreign  policy revolves  around  Africa as  the  centrepiece and  it has  remained so  from  regime to  regime.  For this  purpose Nigeria played a crucial role in the formation of the OAU.

Nigeria’s ability to mediate conflicts in the continent was instrumental to the formation of the group. From formation, Nigeria has continued to play major roles in Africa through  the  organization including the promotion of peace  in the continent. Thus Nigeria’s peace role in Africa cannot be over emphasized because it spans even beyond its immediate sub-region including under AU and UN. Nigeria also played vital roles in the successful transformation of OAU to AU. It has also continued to play vital roles in the maintenance of the group; such important role could be seen from its contribution to the formation of both NEPAD and APRM. Nigeria has also been active in the pursuance of AU  goals in Africa including  the  implementation  of  its  charters.  For  example  it  has  played  major  roles  in  the  pursuance  of democracy  in the  continent  despite  its  own democracy  being  fragile.  There  is  a  clear  disconnect between Nigeria’s  role  under  AU  and  the  socio-economic  development  of  Nigeria.  For  example  Nigeria’s  political system remains  fragile while  its  role under AU presents  the state of Nigeria as  one  with strength and might. Lack of stability in Nigeria’s political system could be exemplified in the numerous socio-economic problems in  the  country;  including  especially  the  civil  war  from  1967-1960,  religious  riots,  Niger-delta  militant activities  and  the  current  Boko  Haram  insurgencies  and  threats  in  the  country.  Other  socio-economic problems of Nigeria include poverty, corruption and lack of purposeful leadership in the country. Essentially, Nigeria has not been able to transform its role under AU to its national benefit.

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