THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE–LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS IN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The research seeks to examine how executive-legislative dynamics affect foreign policy decision making in Nigeria. While traditionally controlled by the executive, foreign policy in Nigeria is increasingly being called to democratic accountability and thus the importance of the legislative in shaping policy outcomes is brought into focus. In particular, the study attempts to find out what kind of influence executive-legislative relations have on foreign policy decision making and what structural barriers exist to their proper coordination. The research was carried out using a quantitative approach. Data was collected from 40 individuals familiar with political and international affairs by means of structured survey. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to measure the relationship between the executive-legislative relations and foreign policy decision making. As the results show, a moderate positive connection exists between the examined variables and legislative activity is involved in the formation of foreign policy decisions without dominating in the process. Legislative actions are procedural and reactive in nature and foreign policy decisions remain primarily executive ones. Among the most important barriers to the cooperation can be noted executive dominance, inadequate institutional coordination and insufficient legislative power. Conclusion points to the fact that executive-legislative relations in Nigeria although formally structured remain uneven in actuality. Recommendations for overcoming identified obstacles are offered.