He is a reader at the department of International Relation and Diplomacy at the Afe Babalola University. A prolific Writer, A consummate foreign policy analyst. Dr Olufemi Paul Adesanya is an International Public Affairs Commentator. In this Interview, he spoke on the exit of the three West Africa Countries namely Mali, Niger and Burkinafaso from the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) and the implications on the unity of the west Africa Sub-regional economy Integration.
I am Dr. Olufemi Paul Adesanya a lecturer and a reader in the department of International Relations, Afe Babalola University. My area of specialization is Nigeria Foreign policy, foreign policy of the great powers. African International Politics and International relations.
In early January, three African countries namely Mali, Niger and Burkinafaso pulled out of ECOWAS. What are the implication for their exit on Nigeria and Ecowas?
Firstly, I must first disabuse the mind of those who say that pulling out of these three West African Countries will have negative impact on Nigeria. Though it may create a sort of disunity but largely it will not have serious negative effect on the sub-regional unity. Nigeria remain the big elephant that these countries live on.
These countries are Francophone countries, they have little or no social cultural relationship with Nigeria. In economic sense, Nigeria is still the viable economy in the region and their exit cannot affect the economy of Nigeria. Nigeria does not rely on them for survival, rather they rely on Nigeria.
What is the implication of their exit on the unity and integration of the subregion?
The ECOWAS Community will definitely feel their exit at the level of economic cooperation and security. But majorly Nigeria remain the Financier of ECOWAS
Nigerian Foreign policy is afro centric. These Francophone countries are our neighbours that are now being governed by military dictators. In your view do you think Nigeria foreign policy towards these country will remain the same?
Nigeria foreign policy has under pining principles. One of the Principle was that Nigeria will not align with any of the great powers that made up the International systems. Two, that Nigeria will have equality, political independence and sovereignty.
Three, that Nigeria will maintain the principle of non-interference in another state which is another principle of international law. Four, that Nigeria will be members of multilateral organizations. Five, that Africa will be the centre piece of foreign policy.
In the Nigeria constitution section 16 or 19, it was clearly stated that one, Nigeria foreign policy will be to pursue her national interest. Two, Africa’s interest. Unfortunately rather than pursue her national interest, Nigeria had abandoned her national interest to pursue African interest since 1960.
Since the period of Late Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria had continue to pursue Africa interest leaving her own national interest. Nigeria had been carrying the responsibilities of other nations at the expenses of the country.
Nigeria is its attempt to be the father figure of African, it has not only immersed itself into Afrocentrism but he is seen as the giant of African.
The general believe is that Nigeria’s role in African as a father figure had affect her national interest. Many foreign policy analyst believed that if Nigeria had remain focus and pursue her national interest without carrying the burden of other countries, it would have solve many of her internal challenges.
It is being argued that if Nigeria’s had pursue her national interest up to 70%, the country would have gained more in the international systems.
Are you saying that Nigeria should focus more on her national interest and less on African interests.
Yes, if foreign policy is to pursue the national interest of a nation, it simply means that Nigeria foreign policy should be used to pursue her domestic interest.
Do you subscribe to a review of the Nigeria foreign policy?
Obviously, it is a constitutional matter which must be adhere to. Nigeria foreign policy rather than being afrocentric should be seen to centre around solving the internal challenges of the nation.
