THE INFLUENCE OF FEDERALISM ON THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY FROM 1999 TO 2024.

This study examines the influence of federalism on the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy from 1999 to 2024. The study used a descriptive survey design, data were collected from one hundred respondents through structured questionnaires which was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square inferential tests. The research explores the extent to which Nigeria’s federal arrangement has shaped foreign policy priorities, sub-national participation in international affairs, and intergovernmental dynamics. The findings indicated that federalism plays a significant role in Nigeria’s foreign policy landscape. Majority (86%) of respondents affirmed that the federal structure has influenced foreign policy decisions across successive administrations. The analysis also revealed the growing role of sub-national actors, particularly state governments such as Lagos, in areas of economic diplomacy, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. These developments highlight a decentralization of foreign relations, where sub-national diplomacy increasingly complements national strategies. However, the study identified several challenges, including intergovernmental conflicts, policy contradictions, and the absence of constitutional clarity regarding the foreign policy roles of state actors. The hypothesis testing established a statistically significant relationship between federalism and foreign policy formulation (p = 0.001), confirming the relevance of federal dynamics in Nigeria’s external engagements. The study concludes that while federalism enables diversified and responsive foreign relations, it necessitates institutional coordination to mitigate fragmentation. Recommendations made includes constitutional amendments to define state roles in foreign affairs, creation of an intergovernmental foreign affairs council, and targeted capacity-building for sub-national diplomatic actors.