Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project explores the evolving relationship between Nigerians and the United States from 2009 to 2020. The study investigates the various factors that have influenced this relationship, including political, economic, and social aspects. By analyzing the historical context, policy changes, and key events during this period, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Nigerians perceive and interact with the United States over the past decade. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study examines the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of Nigerians towards the United States. It explores the impact of U.S. foreign policies, trade agreements, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic relations on the Nigerian population. Additionally, the research delves into the role of media, technology, and education in shaping the perceptions of Nigerians towards the United States. The findings of this research project reveal the complexity of the relationship between Nigerians and the United States during the period under review. While there have been instances of cooperation and mutual benefit, there have also been tensions and disagreements that have influenced the dynamics between the two nations. The study highlights the significance of historical legacies, power dynamics, and global events in shaping the perceptions and interactions between Nigerians and Americans. Furthermore, the research project discusses the implications of this relationship on various sectors, including politics, economics, culture, and society. It explores how Nigerians view the United States as a political ally, economic partner, cultural influencer, and educational destination. The study also examines how the United States perceives Nigeria in terms of strategic importance, economic potential, cultural diversity, and security concerns. Overall, this research project contributes to the existing literature on international relations, African studies, and U.S.-Nigeria relations by providing a nuanced analysis of the evolving relationship between Nigerians and the United States from 2009 to 2020. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and the general public interested in understanding the complexities and opportunities in the diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Foreign policy is an essential tool with which states relateto states and non-states actors in the international system Levy (2013). .The foreign policy is set of tools which are used to pursue and achieve country’s national interests.Foreign Policy of Nigerian state has continued to change under different governments and leaders. This is usually influenced by the type of government and to a great extent personality of the countries leader Fawcett (2016).

From independence, where Nigeria pursue a non-aligned foreign policy under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Under Yakubu Gowon 1966-1975 the country was plagued with civil war, but his foreign policy was also Afrocentric in nature, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo 1975-1979 the government pursued a radical foreign policy which was aimed at liberation of African states from clutches of apartheid and colonialism and reducing the influence of Western capitalist countries, Shehu Shagari 1979-1983 continued with the Afrocentric policy and also liberal policy, Muhammadu Buhari 1983-1985 chose to follow foreign policy of Murtala/Obasanjo foreign policy which was radical in nature Aning et al (2017)

Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993 foreign policy was seen mainly as pro-western countries which led to the acceptance of Structural Adjustment Programs and also its economic diplomacy, Sani Abacha 1993-1998 choose to pursue an isolation foreign policy which meant Nigeria had limited engagement with outside world. Olusegun Obasanjo 1999-2007 decided to re-open Nigeria to the world after isolation of Sani Abacha government, his foreign policy was hinged on shuttle diplomacy which was aimed at economic development, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan 2007-2015 foreign policy was opened and encourages relations with other countries around the world, and its policy was hinged on citizen diplomacy, Muhammadu Buhari 2015-Present foreign policy is also hinged on improving relations with neighbors and to maintain ties with the United States among other countries in the world.

As a Head of Government under a military government General Buhari pursued a radical foreign policy which led confrontation with Nigeria neighbours, radical countering of colonial and apartheid governments on the continent. President Buhari assumed shuttle diplomacy between different countries immediately after assuming office in 2015 he was referred at as “Jet-Setting President”, this was attributed mainly to the fact he spent a quarter of first 100 days in office in different countries. The president upon inauguration assumed the responsibility of been countries chief diplomat and foreign policy officer to re-launch Nigeria into the international community. This is mostly attributed to the international environment Buhari found himself, this situation was characterised by dwindling oil prices, terrorism and counter-terrorism, nuclear deals and neoliberalism among others Aning, K., Abdallah, M., & Kofi, F. (2017)

It is on premises of the above background that this research seek to understand the change of foreign policy direction of  Nigeria with China from of 2009-2020.

Statement of the Problem

This study, while corroborating Robinson, in Roseau (1969) that the primary interest of all nations is security of national territory and in safeguarding the lives and values of the citizens (wherever they may choose to live), observed that African-centered foreign policy of Nigeria had not adequately safeguarded her citizens‟ lives and values. While Okolie (2007) also refers to foreign policy as protecting, maximizing and promoting the prescribed national interest of a given state, the work equally observed that the Afrocentric foreign policy of Nigeria had not adequately protected, maximized and promoted our national interest in favour of her citizens. Furthermore, it is observed that, despite the conservative African-centered foreign policy adopted since independence, progress, prosperity and survival of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora had not been well promoted. More so, as Eke (2009) noted that every state‟s interest is dictated by the interests and core values of its citizens.

 Research Question

1.     What are the nature of Nigeria’s foreign relations that exist between Nigeria and US  under president Goodluck and Buhari   ?

2.     How has Nigeria foreign policy and bilateral security relations with other countries improved under Muhammadu buhari?

3.     Are there any positive influences of Nigeria- US  Relations  from 2009-2020?

4.     What are the nature of relationship that Nigeria-United States enjoy since Buhari took over power in 2015?

5.     What are the nature of diplomatic relations between Nigeria-US ?

Significance Of The Study

This work is significant because it investigate the Nigerian Foreign Policy relations with US  From 2009-2020. And the recommendations will help subsequent administrations to improve human condition especially in Nigeria.

It will also help Nigeria to place the national interests at the forefront while pursuing her foreign policy.

However, it has been stated in this work that foreign policy does not favour a country that is backward technologically. Therefore, this work will also help to encourage the government on the need to develop the nation technologically in order to achieve her national interests in this era of globalization.

This research finding will also help to change the way people think about the status of Nigeria as a ‘giant of Africa’ which plays a major role in peace-keeping operations in Africa. Many Nigerians who are boastful of Nigerian peace keeping operations in Africa without considering its impact on the country would have a rethink.

Research Methodology

This paper utilises secondary sources of data for the research; this includes journals, relevant books, periodicals, newspapers reports, internet sources, government releases, and pronouncement.

Scope and Limitations

This study is investigates Nigerian Foreign Policy Under with a special references of reviewing the nature of foreign policy between Nigeria US from 2009 to 2020

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection from secondary sources

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

Definition of Terms

Global security: is the efforts taken by the community of nations to protect against threats which are transnational in nature.

Security: this is an investment vehicle offered by an insurance company, that guarantees a stream of fixed payments over the life of the annuity.

Foreign policy: is the manner and objectives that are important for establishing and maintaining relationships with other countries and people of other lands.

Policy: A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters