INFLUENCE OF MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION ON NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY DURING THE #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST OF 2024

This study investigates the influence of media narratives and public opinion on Nigerian foreign policy during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest—a nationwide civic movement sparked by longstanding grievances over corruption, economic mismanagement, and police brutality. The protest, largely mobilized through social media, quickly evolved into an international discourse, drawing attention from global media, foreign governments, and human rights organizations. Through a qualitative research design, the study analyzes media framing, social media activism, and diplomatic communications to assess how internal civic unrest shaped Nigeria’s international posture. Data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with media professionals, foreign policy analysts, civil society actors, and government officials. Supplementary sources included content analysis of 50 newspaper articles, 500+ social media posts, and official diplomatic statements. The findings reveal that media narratives—particularly those from international news outlets—played a significant role in influencing Nigeria ’s foreign policy tone, prompting a shift from defensive rhetoric to diplomatic damage control. Public opinion, as expressed via hashtags and diaspora activism, pressured Nigerian authorities to adopt a more conciliatory stance in foreign engagements and commit to reformist pledges. Moreover, reactions from foreign governments and multilateral organizations, including public condemnations and threats of sanctions, further influenced Nigeria’ s diplomatic messaging and behavior during the protest period. The study concludes that in the digital age, foreign policy is increasingly shaped not just by elite decision-makers but by the interaction of media, civil society, and global public opinion. Nigeria’s experience during the #EndBadGovernance protest underscores the growing permeability of domestic affairs and international diplomacy, revealing the critical role of media and public sentiment in shaping state behavior on the world stage.