Japan and Nigeria Relations and the Changing Nature of Their Foreign Policies

Abstract of Japan and Nigeria Relations and the Changing Nature of Their Foreign Policies

This study examined Japan and Nigeria relations and the changing nature of their foreign policies.

The secondary source of data was used in the study, which is the qualitative research method to facilitate the development of a comprehensive understanding of relationship between Japan and Nigeria. Document analysis/content analysis which is also called “textual analysis” was used as main method of data collection in the study which includes all kinds of academic articles and journals, text books, class notes, library materials, and online webs.

The findings revealed that; nature of Japan has affected the Nigeria’s foreign policies; the two states’ bilateral relations has benefitted; the two states (Japan & Nigeria) has high level of military assistance in fighting insecurity; the two nations has benefitted from its course to boost tele-communications; Nigeria’s has relations with Japan on Socio-cultural and Political benefits; domestic constraints has affected the Japan-Nigeria relations.

The study concluded that Nigeria-Japan economic ties can be strengthened in order to achieve a win-win situation in which both countries benefit almost equally, i.e. if Nigeria focuses her attention on engaging in production economics. The study further recommends that; The Nigerian government should make conscious efforts to minimize insecurity; The Federal Government of Nigeria is advised to accelerate its power sector reform; The socio-cultural and political ties between the two countries can be strengthened by mutual education and rapid enlightenment; The purpose of Nigeria-Japan ties should not be solely economic; Attention should also be paid to other aspects of the relationship in order to promote growth; The government should reconsider the political, economic, and social aspects of governance; The structure of citizens diplomacy that is situated within the ambit of national sovereignty should be expanded and coordinated on the platform of sub-regional groupings in the African continent within the global community tends to imply that individual African countries are vulnerable and unassertive in pursuing their national interests.

 

Chapter One of Japan and Nigeria Relations and the Changing Nature of Their Foreign Policies

Introduction

Background of the study

Foreign policy is agreed to be one of the greatest instruments at a state’s disposal to pursue its national interests. It is considered as a full political activity of states. A good foreign policy would obviously lead a state in fulfilling its national interests and acquiring rightful place among comity of nations. As such the study of foreign policy forms an important part of international studies (Bojang, 2018). George Modelski, defines it as “the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behaviour of other states and for adjusting their own activities to the international environment. Foreign policy must throw light on the ways states attempt to change, and succeed in changing the behaviour of other states.” Modelski, noted only those aspects of policy that aim at the change in the existing behaviour of states, as the primary objectives of foreign policy. However, foreign policy is not only to change, but also continuation of the behaviour at different times (Laura, 2008).

Japan’s foreign policy propelled her recovery from the ruins of the Second World War (WWII) to become a fully industrialized country by the end of the 20th century. The country’s foreign policy pursued the path of diplomacy, which began after Japan’s entry into the United Nations in December of 1956. The three pillars of Japanese diplomacy centred on Japan conforming to UN diplomacy, being a key role player in the Asian region, and aligning with the capitalist West (Tishehyar, 2010).

In 1957, Japan’s diplomacy, as expressed in the first issue of its Diplomatic Blue Book, specified economic diplomacy as one of the main pillars of its foreign policy. It was in the light of this that Japan began to develop economic international relations. During the late 1950s and 1960s, Japan’s rapidly growing economy demanded that the country seek new markets to secure the necessary resources to sustain her energy-deficient country. This propelled Japan to enter a relationship with Nigeria as the region was rich in natural resources which Japan has always needed but as Ampiah stated: “Japan was also well aware of the constraints that came with this relationship regarding uncertainty over government policy and erratic macro-economic environment in Nigeria” (Ampiah, 1997).

Japan’s establishment of its geo-economic interests with aid disbursement created a dilemma for the recipients as it implied an inherent dependency and this brought about some difficult political problems. “In fact Japan’s first aid to Africa followed after Nigeria’s decision in August 1963 to restrict Japanese imports while Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda threatened to do the same” (Nester, 1991). The restrictions in imposed by Nigeria were intended to direct Tokyo not to extract resources out of the country without any meaningful returns to Nigeria and other African countries particularly through long-term investment. However, Japan found long-term investment a problem in Africa. Japanese business cited many reasons why it held such a pessimistic view regarding investment in the region “in order of importance, political instability, and difficulties in raising capital, poor quality of labour, economic instability, and difficulties in collecting information. Other difficulties cited include poor transportation and communications infrastructure, government corruption, inefficiency and red tape, and fears that Africans simply perceived the Japanese as “economic animals” (Mlombo, 2012). It was in this context that restrictions were introduced by African states on Japanese imports where in return Japan first began to address its problems and promote its interests on the continent through aid.

The evolution of Japan’s aid policy coincided with the increase in power and the economic might of Japan. The relationship between Japan and Nigeria which initially began upon recognition of Nigeria as State in 1960 has changed and thereby the use of aid has subsequently changed. The change in the nature of this relationship has yielded significant results. Politicians of both countries have visited each other’s countries to strengthen economic ties such as the 2001 visit of Yoshiro Mori and the 2001 and 2004 visit of Olusegun Obasanjo along with a 2009 visit from the then future president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. Muhammadu Buhari visited Japan in 2019 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2020).

As of 2015, trade between Japan and Nigeria has exceeded 99,000 Million Yen or about $902 Million. Japan and Nigeria have looked into developing further trade ties by creating organizations such as the Japan-Nigeria Business Facilitation Council. It was formed during the 7th annual Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD) in Tokyo (Otaru, 2019). Due to Nigeria’s large economic size, oil industries and burgeoning economy, several Japanese companies have taken an interest in investing into Nigeria as a hub for Japanese interests in West Africa and Africa as a whole. The main exports of Nigeria to Japan are Crude Oil, Petroleum Products, Cocoa and Cashew Nuts while the main exports of Japan to Nigeria are machinery, vehicles, and chemical products (Adiorho, 2015). In 2018, Japan External Trade Organization showcased over 30 Japanese Brands to Nigerian businessmen to facilitate a common interest in selling Japanese products to Nigerian consumers (Adekoya, 2018).

While trade relations between the two countries are important, cultural and political relations have also been described to be of great importance. For instance, Adeleke (2010) stated that cultural and political relations between the two countries could bring about greater understanding. Therefore this study will look at the economic, cultural and political dimensions in the relations between the two nations since Nigeria’s independence.

Statement of the research problem

Nigeria and Japan are two great nations which play prominent roles at the international scene. Though Nigeria is a developing country and Japan is a developed and highly industrialized, both have a lot to gain from their economic relations. However, it is also generally assumed that the relations between developed and underdeveloped countries are that of unequal partners. This argument influenced scholars of the dependency school to claim that the study of international economic relations is a study of imperialism and unequal exchange (Nwoke, 1988). Despite the assumed inequality however, a developing country like Nigeria stands to gain from her relations with the advanced economies of the world. For example, Nigeria could gain a lot from the technological advancement of Japan; also Nigeria can gain by cultivating a good habit of viable economic planning from Japan. This is most essential now especially that Nigeria’s industrialization efforts have been import-oriented (Adeleke, 2010). However, little has been done in the empirical literature towards understanding the relations between the two countries and the extent to which the international system and domestic constraints of both countries have influenced their relationship.

Objectives of the study

Following the research background, this study seeks to examine the Japan-Nigeria relations after Nigeria’s independence and the changing nature of the foreign policy of both countries. To achieve this aim, however, the study shall:

1. Determine how the international system dictates the nature and objectives of Japan and Nigeria’s foreign policies.
2. Identify and highlight the position occupied by Nigeria in Japan’s foreign policy in the post-colonial era.
3. Examine the nature of Nigeria’s relations (economic, cultural and political dimensions) with Japan since Nigeria’s independence.
4. Determine the extent to which domestic constraints affect the Japan-Nigeria relations.

Research questions

1. How has the international system shaped the nature and objectives of Japan and Nigeria’s foreign policies?
2. What position does Nigeria occupy in Japan’s foreign policy in the post-colonial era?
3. What is the nature of the economic, cultural and political dimensions of Japan-Nigeria relations?
4. To what extent do domestic constraints affect the Japan-Nigeria relations?

Significance of the study

The study is significant on several levels. The outcome of the study will improve the understanding of distinct phases of Japan-Nigeria relations since the diplomatic relations between both nations began. An examination of the changing trends in the foreign policy of both countries would also give an insight into how the governments of both countries can strengthen their foreign policy and make the best out of their relations.

Scope of the study

The study focuses on the historical development of Nigeria’s relations with Japan and their foreign policies since Nigeria’s independence. This year is significant because it is also the same year Japan officially recognized Nigeria as a State. Aspects of the relations that would be examined in this study include economic, cultural and political relations.

Methodology

The study will adopt a secondary research methodology which shall entail a collection of secondary data from various relevant and credible sources. This form of methodology involves using already existing data and research materials published in research methods and other similar documents. For this study, some of the documents to be adopted include journal articles, published dissertations, and credible websites, among others.