Why Nigeria is seen as a non-aligned country

WHY NIGERIA IS SEEN AS A MEMBER OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT

Introduction

The Non-Aligned Movement refers to a group of countries who have decided not to openly side with the eastern or the western bloc when it comes to international geopolitics. In other words, members of this international organization believe that no developing country has any business in assisting any of the super powers in the Cold War. Membership is drawn from the less developed countries of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe. 

The Movement started in Belgrade in 1961 with the Presidents of Yugoslavia, India, Egypt and Ghana at the time. Initially, the Movement started with twenty-five members but currently, there are one hundred and twenty member states and fifteen observer nations.

FACTORS SHOWING THAT NIGERIA IS A NON-ALIGNED NATION

Belief in the policy of non-interference

One of the factors that proofs that Nigeria is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement is Nigeria’s policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. For example, Nigeria did not lend her support to the invasion of Afghanistan by Russia or the invasion of Panama by the United States of America.

Opposed to the proliferation of arms

Another factor that shows that Nigeria is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement is the fact that Nigeria is opposed to the proliferation of arms, the arms race among the super-powers of the world and more importantly nuclear weapons. For example, Nigeria condemned France when the later tested an atomic bomb over the Sahara desert. To drive home her abhorrence of the test, Nigeria severed diplomatic relations with France.

Maintains relations with both the East and the Western bloc

Also to prove that Nigeria is a non-aligned nation, Nigeria has, over the years, maintained diplomatic relationship with countries in both the Western and the Eastern bloc of the Cold War. Nigeria has continued to maintain diplomatic missions in both America and Russia. Nigeria also has a High Commission in Britain.

Participation in international sports

Another reason why Nigeria is regarded as a non-aligned nation is her participation in international sports, regardless of whether it is organized by a country from the eastern bloc or a country from the Western bloc. In 1980, an Olympic game was hosted in the Eastern bloc city of Moscow and though the event was boycotted by some countries from the western bloc, Nigeria participated in the games. Four years later, when a similar event was organized in the Western bloc city of Los Angeles, Nigeria was in attendance though it was boycotted by some countries from the Eastern bloc.

Nigeria trades with both the East and the Western bloc

Also Nigeria can prove her membership of the non-aligned movement with the fact that she trades with countries from the Western and the Eastern bloc, regardless of their ideological leanings. It is a Non-Aligned Movement policy that countries from the developing world should take advantage of what is offered them from either the east or the west in order to ensure the accelerated development of their respective countries.

Acceptance of military assistance from both blocs

Another proof that Nigeria is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement is that during the Biafran war when the eastern region decided to secede, she accepted military assistance from Russia though the western bloc would have wished she had not. Apart from that, Nigeria also receives military assistance from Britain in the form of equipment and training.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. a. What is Non-Aligned Movement?

    b. Give five reasons which show that Nigeria is member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

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