Nigeria@50: Trends, issues and options

AISA in partnership with the CoT and the High Commission of The Federal Republic of Nigeria hosted a function to celebrate Nigeria’s 50 years of independence. In his keynote address, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) M B Marwa, focused on the history of Nigeria and foreign policy towards peacekeeping efforts in Africa, the role played by Nigeria in the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity now known as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). He also reflected on the historical overview of the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa through the Bi-National Commission in areas such as trade and investments, which proved lucrative for South African companies and parastatals. The High Commissioner gave an overview on the dynamics of Nigeria’s foreign policy and commitment to ensuring political and economic liberation of the entire continent. This even dates back to the support Nigeria gave to the cause to eradicate white minority rule in Southern Africa mainly through the Organisation of African Unity’s (OAU’s) Liberation Committee, and membership to the frontline states even though geographically Nigeria was not in Southern Africa.