Geopolitics and Nigeria's Political Emancipation: External Influences, Strategic Interests, and the Struggle for Sovereign Autonomy

Abstract

With an emphasis on external influences, strategic interests, and the quest for sovereign autonomy,
this study investigated the relationship between geopolitics and Nigeria's political emancipation.
Nigeria has been formally independent since 1960, but it still has to deal with complicated regional
and international forces that limit its ability to make independent decisions. The study focused on
government documents, policy statements, and academic literature using a qualitative research
design and a case study approach to examine how transnational actors—such as global powers,
multinational corporations, and international financial institutions—interact with domestic
governance structures to affect policy outcomes. The analysis was guided by the complex
interdependence theory theoretical framework, which emphasised the multifaceted and negotiated
nature of sovereignty in a globalised environment. The results showed that whereas external
pressures offer diplomatic and developmental opportunities, they frequently result in dependency
that restricts political liberation. However, Nigeria must strike a balance between ambition and
compromise since strategic interests, especially in regional leadership, oil resources, and security
cooperation, act as both sources of influence and constraints. Realising true autonomy is made
more difficult by internal governance issues, such as institutional inefficiencies and inconsistent
policies. The study emphasised that political emancipation depends on the relationship between
domestic capabilities and foreign pressures rather than being absolute or static. By connecting
theoretical ideas with empirical realities in Africa and providing conceptual and practical routes
for promoting sovereignty through institutional development, diverse alliances, and coherent
policy alignment, the research advances global knowledge. Scholars, decision-makers, and
practitioners interested in state-building, foreign policy, and sovereignty in modern international
relations may find these conclusions pertinent.