Human Rights And Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims at examining the origin and evolution of Human Rights in Nigeria’s foreign relations from the period of Independence in 1960 to the present time, preceded by an overview of the country’s foreign policy over time. It takes a look at how Nigeria has responded to Human Rights issues both at home and at International fora including her Human Rights records and its impact on her foreign relations especially with the great powers. Utilizing Realism as the theoretical framework, the paper also takes a look at Nigeria’s defence of her actions and how she reacts to the rest of the world. The paper recommends policy decisions that can be beneficial to the overall interest of the country.