Corruption and Nigerian Foreign Policy (1999 - 2007)

Nigeria's foreign policy has always been predicated on the national interest, which is reducible to the security and welfare of its citizens. Nigeria's position in Africa, its teeming population and rich endowment of mineral resources including oil, all contributed to the notion of Nigeria's manifest leadership in Africa and beyond. Through what became known as an Afrocentrist foreign policy, Nigeria championed the cause of liberating Africa from apartheid and colonial rule. Nigeria sent troops to peace missions in various conflict zones in Africa and other parts of the world and contributed financially and materially to the well-being of fellow African as well as Caribbean states. Nigeria thus earned for itself the image of a responsible and well-respected member of the international community.