Nigeria’s soft power and cultural diplomacy: revisiting the 1988 cultural policy

Academic scholarship on Nigeria’s soft power has increasingly examined the concept through the lens of the country’s cultural exports, philosophical ideals, foreign policy, and political values. However, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding the role and relevance of Nigeria’s cultural policy in advancing the country’s soft power. This article addresses that gap. Historically, Nigeria’s foreign policy served as a key instrument for projecting soft power across Africa and beyond. In recent years, however, Abuja has struggled to leverage its foreign policy effectively to achieve its set objectives. In light of these challenges, and considering the global appeal and success of Nigeria’s cultural exports, it becomes essential to explore the relationship between these exports and the country’s soft power.