CHALLENGES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND INTERNAL INSECURITY FOR NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Abstract

The concept of economic diplomacy in this era of globalization cannot be overemphasized. Economic diplomacy involves the policies, initiatives and processes that are tied to the development of the domestic economy of a given country in its relation with others. In which case, it is linked to the realization of the need to pursue a foreign policy that is centered on improving the welfare and standard of living of the citizens. To realize these crucial goals, it is understood that a secured environment serves as an essential springboard. Nigeria’s pursuit of economic diplomacy beginning from the 1980s has been encumbered with strains arising from compromises in environmental and security matters. With the use of historical descriptive method, this work – drawing largely from the Ogoniland degradation in the Niger Delta and the recurring insecurity in Northern Nigeria will examine the impediments posed by environmental sustainability and internal insecurity to the realization of this need. In its arguments, the paper adopted a framework predicated on the theory of integral sustainable development. The research reveals that Nigeria’s efforts at development through economic diplomacy have been hindered by internal environmental and security challenges because the leadership failed to adopt more pragmatic and holistic approach in tackling these challenges.