Nigeria’s International Image Crisis

An Evaluative Analysis

Abstract

Nigeria’s international image crisis has been a contentious issue resulting from adverse effects created by stringent socio-economic and political conditions facing Nigerians. The state of affairs defiled approaches aimed at redress. Image branding of Late Prof Dora Akunyili was unable to ameliorate the situation. Imperatively, this paper evaluated Nigeria’s international image crisis - presenting international perceptions of its image on different fronts. The study is qualitative and descriptive in orientation. Data gathering was based on documented evidence and informant interview. Image Theory of International Politics by Keneth Boulding (1959) served as a theoretical guide for the explanation. The study revealed that Nigeria’s international image in crisis is enveloped in the poor international perception of Nigerian business environments, poor perception of Nigeria/Nigerians Abroad and the international perception of corruption in Nigeria. This is seen in the withdrawal of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), ill-treatment/ unwarranted suspicion of Nigerian nationals abroad, the deportation of Nigerian nationals, visa ban, and Nigeria’s corruption perception index and poor ranking reports. The paper enjoined the Nigerian government to step up in attitudinal character for best international practice in governance; strictly adhere to the rule of law and prosecute fraudulent government officials lawfully. This will sanitize the system and ensure acceptable behaviour in governance. More so, there is a need for a strong strategic plan to ensure Nigerian leaders and diplomats’ premise Nigerian foreign policies on positive-image making and achievement of national interests. Strong institutions are the unavoidable condition for the achievement of the above goals.