Abstract

National interest is the guiding principle for the formulation and execution of effective foreign policy. However, in the case of Nigeria, there are external and internal factors that pose as hindrances to the effectiveness of national interest in the pursuit of the nation’s foreign policy objectives. This study investigated national interest and Nigeria’s foreign policy using the concentric theory of international relations. Questionnaires and interviews were administered to the selected population, and responses were obtained, which enhanced the credibility and validity of the research. The quantitative data generated from the questionnaires were presented in charts and analyzed using Microsoft Excel statistical tools, whereas data generated from the interviews were first transcribed and then analyzed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that national interest plays a crucial role in the pursuit of Nigeria’s foreign policy, as well as in the nation’s engagement with foreign governments and international organizations in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals. The study recommended that the Nigerian government should endeavor to diversify its economy in order to generate more revenue that can be used to address the challenge of insufficient funding of diplomatic missions.

Keywords: National Interest, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, External/Internal Factors, International Relations

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21137263

Tanko Adnan Tanko
Faculty of Social Science
Department of Pollical Science
Nassarawa State University Keffi.

Prof, Bello Muhammad B.
Faculty of Social Science
Department of Pollical Science
Nassarawa State University Keffi.

Assc Prof, Ruth Caleb
Faculty of Social Science
Department of Political Science.
Nassarawa State University, Keffi.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8505-2524