Nigeria–United States Relations, 1960–2016

This book examines relations between Nigeria and the United States, analyzing the levels of collaboration and interaction between the two countries since Nigerian independence in 1960. The central objective of the volume is to understand how American policy-makers have thought about and acted toward Nigeria from the time she achieved statehood in 1960 until the end of Obama Administration. There is huge potential in Nigeria; the country has the largest population in Africa and is well-endowed in terms of both human and natural resources. Additionally, it has the largest economy and biggest market on the continent, the largest concentration of Black population in the world, a burgeoning and vibrant youthful population, and a tradition of international engagement since its independence. With a population of over 170 million, and as America’s largest trading partner in Africa, Nigeria is a key power in Africa, and a major player in world affairs. Nigeria’s position in the twenty-first century offers the possibility for a positive new chapter in Nigeria-United States relations.

A much-anticipated study from one of the experts, this book catalogs, chronicles, and discourses the enduring but oft-misaligned relationship between Nigeria and the United States from Balewa to Buhari and from Kennedy to Obama. Abegunrin does not disappoint in taking a fresh look at the subject, offering a regime-by-regime play of the relations between two nations that share deep historical connections, demographic roots, and interdependent economic interests. Current regimes and policy makers in both Nigeria and the United States are especially invited to pay close attention to the analyses and lessons offered by this book., It is a pleasure to recommend this insightful book by Professor Abegunrin on Nigeria-United States relations from the time of Nigerian independence in 1960, and the heady years of Kennedy’s Peace Corps, through the recent Obama era with its focus on countering violent extremists. The author argues that personal contacts by Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama with Nigerian leaders are keys to deeper diplomatic relations. Nigeria has become a top priority in Africa for U.S. policy makers. This book will provide important insight into how Nigeria-United States relations have evolved, with all their ups and downs., In Nigeria-United States Relations 1960-2016, Professor Abegunrin takes a fresh, comprehensive look at this deep, dynamic, and occasionally contentious relationship. The book carefully analyzes the arc of bilateral relations from the Eisenhower era through to the end of the Obama administration-from the primeministership of Tafawa Balewa through the Buhari presidency. A must read for both students of Nigerian politics as well as foreign policy practitioners. Professor Abegunrin’s book provides invaluable insights into the future of U.S.-Nigeria relations by expertly explaining their evolution thus far., This work is a succinct, lucid, and well-researched study of Nigeria-United States Relations spanning over five decades. It is a must-read book by students of Nigerian Foreign Relations since Nigeria’s flag independence.

Olayiwola Abegunrin is professor of international relations and African studies at Howard University and the University of Maryland.