International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Nigerian Foreign Policy Implications on National Development: A Critical Assessment of Buhari’s Beggar-thy-Neighbour Policy

OLUKA, Nduka Lucas
Department of Political Science, Novena University Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract:- This paper focuses on Nigerian foreign policy implications on national development by critically assessing the President Buhari’s Beggar-thy-Neighbour policy from 2018-2019. The study seeks to unveil the implication(s) of this policy on the country’s national image and economic development. The methodology adopted for the study is qualitative and explorative research design. The population of the study comprises of border security officers, customs, immigrations, formal imports and exports businesses, informal local businesses and illicit businesses. The Epi Info sample calculator was applied to arrive at a sample size of 384; at 50% expected frequency, 95% level of confidence (5% acceptable margin of error) and leaving design effect and clusters equal to 1 respectively. Judgmental, quota and snowball sampling were employed to select and access the samples. Key Informant Interview (KII) method was applied to elicit valid data. The KII data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings of the study reveal clearly that the border closure appears to mean different things to different persons and groups. To some persons it is a right step in the right direction in the fight against smuggling and other nefarious cross border and inter-border activities. Some others are of the opinion that the border closure was not embarked upon in good faith but rather disguised to serve the self-interest of a select few in the helm of affairs and their cronies. The study concludes that the border closure, irrespective of the rationale and the potential as well as actual advantages and disadvantages was an intricate, multifaceted and complex decision. The study recommends among others multilateral dialogue at least, at the sub-regional, regional or even multinational level for all affected parties to present and iron out their cases rather than resort to self-help that could breach international protocol or undermine national sovereignty.

Keywords: Nigerian Foreign Policy, National Development, Beggar-thy-Neighbour, Protectionism, Diplomacy

I. INTRODUCTION

The protectionist policy of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, particularly the policy that pertains to the closure of Nigeria’s land borders, has been subjected to ridicule by scholars, political analysts and individuals from the business community. Critics all over the country have argued that the closure of the country’s land boundaries is an anti-human policy that has further impoverished the citizens and displaced businessmen and women from their sources of livelihood. Nigeria’s neighbouring countries, together with its foreign trade partners, are also not left out among the critics of the protectionist policy of the administration. Although, the intention of the government is to promote domestic industries and encourage consumption of local agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, poultry birds, etc., yet critics did not find it necessary to support, in its entirety, this policy of government.