DURING THE COLD WAR, NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY WAS CHARACTERIZED BY

• A. alignment with the United States
• B. Neutrality and non-alignment ✓
• C. Pursuit of colonial interest
• D. alignment with the Soviet Union

The answer to the question is: B. Neutrality and non-alignment

During the Cold War, Nigeria’s foreign policy was characterized by neutrality and non-alignment. Nigeria adopted a stance of non-alignment in order to maintain its independence and sovereignty while avoiding entanglement in the ideological conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union. This approach allowed Nigeria to pursue its own national interests and play a role as a mediator in regional conflicts.

Nigeria’s policy of neutrality and non-alignment was influenced by several factors. Firstly, Nigeria had just gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and was focused on establishing itself as a sovereign nation. Secondly, Nigeria was ethnically diverse with multiple religious groups, and maintaining neutrality helped to prevent internal divisions along ideological lines. Lastly, Nigeria sought to position itself as a leader among African nations and as a voice for the decolonization movement.

By adopting a policy of neutrality and non-alignment, Nigeria aimed to pursue its own interests while also contributing to regional stability. The country actively participated in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). Nigeria played a prominent role in mediating conflicts in Africa, including the Biafra conflict in the late 1960s and the Angolan civil war in the 1970s.