Afrocentrism and the Illusion of National Development in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17605/cajssh.v6i2.1169Keywords:
Afrocentrism, Development, Illusion, National development, NigeriaAbstract
Given the attainment of flag independence in 1960 till date, Africa has undeniably remained the centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. In other words, the Nigerian state has consistently pursued her Afrocentric foreign policy principle in Africa both in military and civilian regimes. This, of course, she has always demonstrated in her political leadership role on the continent of Africa through her numerous altruistic human and financial commitments to the wellbeing, welfare, convenience and comfort of other African states at her own expense and detriment. With the use of the national interest theory and grand narratives from extant academic writings as well as content analysis methodology, this paper argues that the adoption of this foreign policy principle in the euphoria of the independence era has been the bane of Nigeria’s national development. Owing to the fact that it has not practically and substantially served her domestic and self-interest and it has also not been able to translate into a progressive and qualitative national development trajectory in the country. Conclusively, the paper recommends that Afrocentrism which doubles as a foreign policy principle and conceptual construct for Nigeria, should not be completely jettisoned but strategically rejigged for the purpose of engendering national development (especially economic growth) in Nigeria given her current harsh economic realities and the global political economy implications. This is also with a view to upgrading Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship and engagements in Africa to a comprehensive strategic partnership for the achievement of a more realistic and beneficial national interest for the country’s national development.
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