AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY UNDER MUHAMMADU BUHARI, 2015-2023

Abstract This research work aims to critically analyze Nigerian foreign policy under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023. The objectives include identifying the core principles that guided Buhari's foreign engagements, assessing the extent to which his administration maintained or altered Nigeria’s traditional foreign policy orientations, and evaluating Nigeria’s bilateral and multilateral relations during the period. It also seeks to examine how internal factors such as security, economy, and governance influenced Nigeria’s international posture, and to analyze the country’s role within regional and global power structures. The study adopts a historical and analytical methodology. Data was collected through extensive review of relevant literature including books, scholarly journals, policy documents, official speeches, and publications from reputable international organizations. Qualitative analysis was employed to trace the evolution, themes, and implementation of foreign policy strategies under Buhari’s administration, paying attention to specific case studies such as Nigeria’s relations with ECOWAS, the African Union, China, the United States, and involvement in regional peacekeeping and economic diplomacy. The study contributes to the broader discourse on Nigerian foreign relations by offering a detailed and period-specific evaluation of Buhari’s foreign policy agenda. It highlights both achievements and shortcomings, thereby enriching historical understanding of Nigeria’s international behavior in the 21st century. It further provides insights for policymakers, scholars, and diplomatic practitioners seeking to improve Nigeria’s global standing through more coherent, proactive, and strategic foreign policy decisions in subsequent administrations. Top of Form