Nigeria-Zimbabwe Bilateral Relations: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Nigeria-Zimbabwe bilateral relations were struck in the early 1980s when Zimbabwe attained political independence during the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were warm and cordial in the period 1980–2004. The objective of this paper is to examine the issues that have resulted to the low ebb in Nigeria-Zimbabwe bilateral relations in recent years. Secondary data were utilized in this paper. Books, Journals, magazines and newspapers were consulted. The findings of this paper indicate that there was international outcry against Mugabe’s land reform, muzzling of the opposition and guided democratization for selfish interest. Nigeria as a member of the international community has also been sceptical of Mugabe’s poor record of democracy. Nigeria’s position affected her relations with Zimbabwe economically and politically in recent years compared to their warm relations in the 1980s and 1990s. The paper recommends the resuscitation of Nigeria-Zimbabwe Joint Commission in order to enhance economic, diplomatic and socio-cultural symbiotic gains between the two sisters African countries.

Keywords: Bilateral relations, African countries, Joint Commission