Nigerian Unity: In The Balance

Nigeria is the key country in Sub-Saharan Africa for the success of American policy and interests, but is poorly understood by policymakers. Nigeria is an African powerhouse blessed with a large growing economy, huge reserves of oil and natural gas, the largest population in Africa, a rich cultural diversity, and powerful regional influence. Nigeria is also beset by chronic internal strife and unstable governments, corruption, poor human development and human rights records, and is a hub for international crime. Although currently enjoying a period of democracy and economic growth, the forces that balance Nigerian unity are fragile and may yet fatally fracture Nigeria’s polity and state integrity.
To overcome this lack of understanding of Nigeria, this monograph analyzes where fractures in the state occur and why. It offers practical recommendations to U.S. Government officials to support positive outcomes in Nigeria that ensure a stable, prosperous country that can partner with the United States in attaining
mutual goals.
This monograph is particularly relevant for government and military officials tasked with responsibilities in West and Sub-Saharan Africa, but who may not possess much understanding of Nigeria and its importance to the United States. The Strategic Studies Institute is pleased to publish this paper as a contribution toward a more complete understanding of Nigeria in order to advance both its interests and those of the United States.