THE PARADOX OF GIANTISM: NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY AND THE NEGLECT OF CORE NATIONAL INTERESTS

Research Problem: This study examines the "paradox of giantism" in Nigeria's foreign policy, a condition where the pursuit of external prestige as the "Giant of Africa" overshadows pressing domestic development imperatives such as economic diversification, security, infrastructure, and human capital growth. Methods/Theory: The research employs a qualitative design, relying on a systematic review of secondary sources from 1960 to 2025. The analysis is guided by the theoretical framework of postcolonial realism, which combines classical realism's focus on power with post-colonial theory's emphasis on identity and symbolic recognition. Results: The findings reveal that the paradox is driven by three interrelated factors: identity politics that prioritize costly Afrocentric dogma, critical institutional capacity deficits within diplomatic institutions, and a fundamental misalignment between prestige-driven diplomacy and developmental priorities. Conclusion: The study concludes that Nigeria's foreign policy has been largely performative, securing diplomatic recognition but yielding minimal tangible benefits for citizens, thereby imposing high opportunity costs on internal progress. Key Contribution to Knowledge: The key contribution is the conceptualization of "paradox of giantism" as a critical lens for understanding the recurring neglect of core national interests in Nigeria's external relations. Recommendation: It is recommended that foreign policy be strategically recalibrated towards a citizen-centric, value-driven approach. This necessitates redefining national interest beyond elite ambitions, strengthening diplomatic institutions, prioritizing economic diplomacy, and rationalizing costly external engagements to ensure they deliver measurable domestic benefits.