A HISTORY OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS WITH THE VATICAN, 1975-2021

Abstract

Since 1975, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has enjoyed good and cordial diplomatic relations with the Vatican, the central government of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. It is argued that Nigeria had extensively worked with the Vatican on global issues that were paramount to Nigeria as an African country. Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the Vatican has been much debated and discussed among international relations scholars and historians in the 21stCentury. It is obvious that the Vatican is a key player in international relations and has cordial relations with many African countries, especially the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This relation has assumed both political and economic dimensions. It is, however, important to find out how this relation has impacted Nigeria. This paper explores the history of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the Vatican and examines the extent to which the relation has profited the country. This paper also explains the key principles that shape Nigeria’s foreign policy towards the Vatican. In addition, it provides a thorough critique of Nigeria’s continuous diplomatic ties with the Vatican.