摘要：This paper examined Nigeria’s Foreign Service vis-à-vis its foreign policy implementation inthe last fifty five years as a way of enhancing its national interest and overall growth which isbeen guided by basic objectives as enshrined in her constitution and which has remainedconsistent with the pursuit of Nigeria interests of Pan-Africanism, multi-literalism, desire forglobal peace and security. Also from 1960 till date, Nigeria foreign policy has been guided byits Afro-centric principles and aspirations of its African regional leadership role which hasremained steadfast. However, it is largely under – appreciated within the context of Africaninternational relations. The paper posited that this under – valued nature of Nigeriainternationally is not unconnected with lack of pragmatic and dynamic political leadership,widespread corruption, socio-economic related developmental crisis plaguing Nigeria andinability of her foreign policy actors to re-invent Nigeria foreign policy over the years fornational development, the paper observed that persistent Afro - Centric focus of Nigeriaforeign Policy is misguided and may not serve its national interests to the fullest and the needto overcome inherent developmental challenges confronting Nigeria as a major internationalplayer in the twenty first century. The paper therefore recommends the need to repositioningNigeria foreign policy in line with her present realities as a means of achieving socio –economic development in Nigeria. In line with this, the paper suggested a combination ofpreventive and economic diplomacy as its foreign policy options.
关键词：Nigeria; National Interest; Foreign Policy; Diplomacy
