Abstract
The foreign policy of a state is incalculable and with no specific domestic or international limitations. Issues in foreign policy are unending, as there is no conscious design from any states’ domicile in structuring its foreign policy objectives. The focus of any foreign policy structure is somewhat characterized on the events and happenings around the State and Nigeria is not excluded. In the international arena every foreign policy of state is totally geared towards enhancing its national interest; as it pioneers the states objectives through diplomatic engagements which includes negotiations, assistances or diplomatic missions and seeks to achieve its goals with other states in the global community. The use of diplomacy is an elementary key to building a vast tie in harmonizing international relations system. However, this paper critically appraises the Nigeria’s foreign policy structure and diplomatic engagements. The paper adopted the doctrinal research methodology depending on both primary and secondary sources of law such as text books, journal articles and online sources. The paper found out that Nigeria’s foreign policy principles is Afro-centric and Pan – Africanism, as it in turn place worth in preserving and supporting the continent but benefitted less the nation nor the life’s of its citizens. The paper concludes that if Nigeria is to achieve development, then its foreign policy and international relations should be structured into considering the implicit and explicit bargaining process, so as to effect fundamental changes domestically and internationally. Consequently, the paper recommended amongst others the revisiting of the foreign policy structure in highly prioritizing citizens-centered, aimed at creating benefits for the betterment of the people; and improving the foreign policy structure on the quality of life’s and the advancement of the domestic situation of the state should be initiated to take Nigeria’s regional hegemonic claims seriously
Keyword(s): Foreign Policy, Diplomatic Engagements, National Interest