Nigeria and the Commonwealth Connection

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Periodical article

Title:	Nigeria and the Commonwealth Connection
Authors:	Saliu, Hassan A. Lipode, Abiola A.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	Africa Quarterly
Volume:	38
Issue:	2
Pages:	67-93
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Commonwealth international relations Inter-African Relations Politics and Government
Abstract:	The suspension of Nigeria from membership of the Commonwealth and the imposition of limited sanctions, at the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1995, was seen by Nigerians as undue interference in the country's internal affairs, and set off a debate about the relevance and value of continued membership. The advantages of continued membership lie in the leverage gained, as for example in the fight against apartheid and colonialism, and still gainable, in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. Critics of continued membership point to the ineffectiveness of the Commonwealth in providing relief for Nigeria's persisting economic ills. They also cite Britain's overbearing presence and selective application of the Organization's principles and conventions. The present authors examine the arguments put forward by both protagonists and opponents of continued membership. They conclude that Nigeria should remain a member of the Commonwealth since there are evident strategic benefits while the limitations are no different from those of other international organizations of which Nigeria is a member. Notes, ref.