NIGERIA’S ROLE SINCE THE FORMATION OF AFRICA UNION: IT’S LEADERSHIP STATUS IN AFRICA

Abstract

This paper examines the role Nigeria plays in Africa in order to understand the power exerted
by Nigeria in the transition from OAU to AU with the perspective of analyzing its leadership
role. Thus, can Nigeria be seen as a hegemon based on the various developmental policies and
regional integration relations in Africa? The historical perspective was used through
secondary sources of data collection in gathering and review materials related to the study.
Hence in order to explain this important paper, the hegemony stability theory was utilized
which sees a single state to be above other nations and a provider in the international system.
The study reveals that, Nigeria cannot be viewed as a hegemon, but as a leader that leads in
order to open the road map for other countries to follow suit. Thus, Nigeria can be seen as a
binding force that encourage and mobilizes other countries in Africa. As such, for Nigeria to
be able to effect the necessary economic development in Africa, it is imperative for Nigeria to
collaborate with other African countries, especially South Africa and emerging countries such
as Rwanda in Africa.