Nigeria, a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse federation comprised of 36 autonomous states and the Federal Capital Territory, plays a significant role in international affairs.
Nigeria maintains close relations with the Republic of Niger, in part because both nations share a large Hausa minority on each side of their 1500 km border. Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil focus primarily upon trade and culture, the largest country in Latin America by size, and the largest country in Africa by population are remotely bordered across from one another by the Atlantic Ocean.
Both countries established diplomatic relations with Nigerian independence, Israel's consulate-general became an embassy on 1 October 1960. Between 1973 and 1992, diplomatic relations were severed. Since September 1992, bilateral relations are better. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 February 1961 when Turkey Consulate General was upgraded to Embassy level with Mr. Greece established a diplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1970. Trade between the two countries is imbalanced, with imports from Greece to Nigeria exceeding exports. Greek-owned tankers have an important role in shipping Nigerian oil and natural gas, its main exports. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization.
Nigeria maintains close relations with the Republic of Niger, in part because both nations share a large Hausa minority on each side of their 1500 km border.
Angolan-Nigerian relations are primarily based on their roles as oil exporting nations.
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Both nations are members of the Commonwealth, the OIC and the Developing 8 Countries, and are identified as Next Eleven economies.
Nigeria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on March 11, 1992.
The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have considerably expanded in recent years with both nations building strategic and commercial ties.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1961 when M.
Relations with Ghana
Ghana Nigerian relations have been both bitter and sweet. Ghana set up a commission in 1959 when Nigeria was still a dependent territory. In 1969 numerous Nigerians were deported from Ghana. Relations in the 1970s were good. Ghana-Nigeria relations began on a sour note in the early period of PNDC rule.
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Tension rose immediately after the PNDC deposed Limann in 1981. In protest, Nigeria refused to continue much-needed oil supplies to Ghana. At the time, Ghana owed Nigeria about US$150 million for crude oil supplies and depended on Nigeria for about 90 percent of its petroleum needs.
In April 1988, a joint commission for cooperation was established between Ghana and Nigeria. A bloodless coup in August 1985 had brought Major General Ibrahim Babangida to power in Nigeria, and Rawlings took advantage of the change of administration to pay an official visit. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues focusing on peace and prosperity within West Africa, bilateral trade, and the transition to democracy in both countries.
Subsequent setbacks that Babangida initiated in the democratic transition process in Nigeria clearly disappointed Accra. Nonetheless, the political crisis that followed Babangida's annulment of the results of the June 1993 Nigerian presidential election and Babangida's resignation from the army and presidency two months later did not significantly alter the existing close relations between Ghana and Nigeria, two of the most important members of ECOWAS and the Commonwealth of Nations.
After the takeover in November 1993 by General Sani Abacha as the new Nigerian head of state, Ghana and Nigeria continued to consult on economic, political, and security issues affecting the two countries and West Africa as a whole. Nigeria and Ghana today have a close relationship, and they collaborate on various issues.
Relations with the United States
After the June 12, 1993, Nigerian presidential election was annulled, and in light of human rights abuses and the failure to embark on a meaningful democratic transition, the United States imposed numerous sanctions on Nigeria. These sanctions included the imposition of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to refuse entry into the United States of senior government officials and others who formulated, implemented, or benefited from policies impeding Nigeria's transition to democracy; suspension of all military assistance; and a ban on the sale and repair of military goods and refinery services to Nigeria.
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After a period of increasingly strained relations, the death of General Abacha in June 1998 and his replacement by General Abubakar opened a new phase of improved bilateral relations. officials, discussions of future assistance, and the granting of a Vital National Interest Certification on counter-narcotics, effective in March 1999, paved the way for re-establishment of closer ties between the United States and Nigeria, as a key partner in the region and the continent. Government counter-terrorism efforts in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The Government of Nigeria, in its official statements, has both condemned the terrorist attacks as well as supported military action against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
Relations with China
Nigeria and the People's Republic of China established formal diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. Relations between the two nations grew closer as a result of the international isolation and Western condemnation of Nigeria's military regimes (1970s-1998). Nigeria has since become an important source of oil and petroleum for China's rapidly growing economy and Nigeria is looking to China for help in achieving high economic growth; China has provided extensive economic, military and political support.
In 2004 and again in 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao made state visits to Nigeria and addressed a joint session of the National Assembly of Nigeria. Both nations signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a strategic partnership. China has supported Nigeria's bid for a seat in the U.N.
Nigeria's Foreign Policy Objectives
Nigeria's foreign policy grew out of a striving for peace and international cooperation. African unity, another important Nigerian goal. both thereafter. affairs.
Nigeria's 1983 economic austerity campaign produced strains with neighbouring states, including Chad. Nigeria expelled several hundred thousand foreign workers, mostly from its oil industry, which faced drastic cuts as a result of declining world oil prices. At least 30,000 of those expelled were Chadians.
The civil war marked a distinct break in Nigerian foreign policy. the positive role that the OAU could play in African affairs. with the federation by voting for unity. for Nigerian diplomacy. after the war, a less pro-Western stance was maintained. time, Africa remained Nigeria's top priority. independence throughout Africa. agreements. by the civilian government in 1982 and 1983. mainly Ghanaians, but this dispute also was resolved amicably. neighborliness and friendship. Togo and Ghana. countries. continued to support the organization's objectives. relations with African states. OAU framework but were guided by OAU principles. of colonialism and to eradicate apartheid in South Africa. 1960s to an increasingly firm push after the civil war. MPLA. of Namibia. and other preparations for Namibian independence. which were constantly harassed by South Africa. sizable military might has rarely been used in foreign policy. contributed personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Global Oil Glut: Nigeria's OPEC President Speaks On Plans -- 15/02/16 Pt. 2
Economic and Political Landscape
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse federation of 36 autonomous states and the Federal Capital Territory. The political landscape is partly dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress party (APC) which controls the executive arm of government and holds majority seats at both the Senate and House of Representatives, and majority of the States. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn into office on May 29, 2023, having won the February 2023 Presidential election.
Nigeria continues to face many challenges that include insecurity such as banditry and kidnappings especially in the northwest region, continued insurgency by terrorist groups in the north-east, and separatist agitations in the south-east.
Nigeria faces a persistent challenge in absorbing the 3.5 million people entering its labor force annually. Weak job creation, limited entrepreneurial opportunities, and rising emigration reflect the economyâs inability to generate sufficient quality employment.
Despite recent reforms, poverty remains widespreadâover 46% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, with food inflation disproportionately affecting poor households who spend up to 70% of their income on food. State capacity remains weak in many regions, with limited delivery and widespread insecurity. Infrastructure gapsâespecially in electricity, transport, and logisticsâcontinue to hinder domestic market integration and productivity.
Recent macroeconomic reforms offer a foundation for a new social compact. Stabilizing inflation, improving fiscal transparency, and enhancing exchange rate flexibility have created fiscal space. If sustained, these reforms can enable deeper structural changesâsuch as improved public service delivery, better infrastructure, and a more conducive environment for private sector-led growth.
With targeted investments in human capital, social protection, and climate resilience, Nigeria can shift from a low-equilibrium trap to a more dynamic and inclusive growth path.
Economy
Following the May 2023 change in administration, Nigeria has embarked on bold macroeconomic reforms aimed at restoring stability and growth. Key measures included the full removal of the gasoline subsidy, unification of the exchange rate market, and a shift to market-reflective pricingâsteps that have reduced fiscal distortions and improved external balances. The Central Bank has tightened monetary policy and refocused on price stability, while also ending deficit monetization.
Nigeriaâs GDP grew by 3.9% in H1 2025, foreign reserves surpassed $42 billion, and public debt declined is projected to decline from 42.9% in 2024 to 39.8% in 2025. While inflation has begun to ease, it remains high, especially food inflation, which disproportionately affects poor households who spend up to 70 percent of their income on food. The cost of a basic food basket has risen fivefold since 2019.
To cushion the impact, the government has launched targeted cash transfers for vulnerable households, which need to be scaled and institutionalized. Sustained progress will require continued monetary discipline and further expansion of fiscal space through higher revenues, greater transparency, and more efficient spending. Structural reforms are also criticalâremoving trade barriers, improving logistics and power supply, and enhancing the business environment.
Nigeriaâs new policy direction is improving competitiveness and attracting investment.
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