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Nigeria and the Commonwealth

This chapter examines the trajectory of Nigeria’s engagement with the Commonwealth since independence, and how domestic politics and pressures, foreign policy priorities, and shifting international politics have shaped Nigeria’s influence through the Commonwealth, and how the Commonwealth in turn has influenced Nigeria. It argues that Nigeria’s ability to be strategic in its engagement as a key member state has been stymied by governance challenges at home and increasing competition from other African states as they have made gains in development and democracy. Yet Nigeria retains prominence and influence through the involvement of key individuals in the work of the Commonwealth, and since its return to civilian rule in 1999 and re-entry into the Commonwealth after its four-year suspension, has aligned with Commonwealth principles.