International Relations – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

International relations are the dealings between one country and other countries, carried out through trade, diplomacy, aid and membership of international organisations.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define international relations and international organisation.
2. State the full meanings of ECOWAS, AU and UN.
3. Describe Nigeria’s roles in ECOWAS, the AU and the UN.
4. Explain why Nigeria’s role in these bodies benefits Nigerians.

What are international relations?

International relations are the ways in which countries deal with one another.

• Trade: countries buy and sell goods, such as Nigeria selling crude oil abroad.
• Diplomacy: countries send ambassadors and hold talks to settle problems peacefully.
• Aid: countries help one another in times of war, disease or disaster.
• Membership of organisations: countries join groups to work together.

No man is an island, and no country can live entirely by itself.

What is an international organisation?

An international organisation is a group of countries that join together to achieve common goals.

• Regional organisation: members come from one area, such as ECOWAS in West Africa.
• Continental organisation: members come from one continent, such as the AU in Africa.
• Global organisation: members come from all over the world, such as the UN.

What is Nigeria’s goal in the world?

Nigeria’s main goal in world affairs is to promote peace, support African unity and help its neighbours grow.

• Peace: Nigeria works to end wars and settle quarrels peacefully.
• Black and African rights: Nigeria has fought for the dignity of black people everywhere.
• Neighbourly help: Nigeria supports the growth of nearby countries.
• “Big Brother” role: since independence in 1960, Nigeria has often led and supported other African countries.

The three most important groups Nigeria belongs to are:

1. ECOWAS: West Africa, our immediate neighbours.
2. AU: the whole African continent.
3. UN: the entire world.

What is ECOWAS and what is Nigeria’s role in it?

ECOWAS is the Economic Community of West African States, founded in 1975 to promote cooperation among West African countries.

• Founding member: Nigeria was one of the founding members in 1975.
• Aim: to encourage trade, economic growth and peace in West Africa.

Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS

• Headquarters: the main office (Secretariat) of ECOWAS is in Abuja.
• Peacekeeping: Nigeria sent soldiers under ECOMOG (the ECOWAS Monitoring Group) to Liberia and Sierra Leone to stop fighting and restore peace.
• Free movement: citizens of member countries such as Ghana and Togo can enter Nigeria for business without a visa for a short stay. Nigerians enjoy the same right in those countries.
• Funding: Nigeria has the largest economy in West Africa, so it is one of the biggest contributors to the cost of running ECOWAS.

What is the AU and what is Nigeria’s role in it?

The AU (African Union) is the organisation of African countries that works for unity, peace and development on the continent.

• Membership: it has 55 member countries.
• Origin: it replaced the OAU (Organisation of African Unity), which was formed in 1963. The AU was launched in 2002.

Nigeria’s role in the AU

• Fighting apartheid: apartheid was a system in South Africa that treated black people unfairly. Nigeria gave money and strong political support to end it, even though it is far from South Africa.
• Conflict resolution: Nigeria often acts as a mediator. Its leaders help African countries talk and settle disagreements.
• Democracy: Nigeria encourages other African countries to hold free and fair elections.

What is the UN and what is Nigeria’s role in it?

The UN (United Nations) is the world organisation of countries that works for peace, security and cooperation among nations.

• Membership: it has 193 member countries.
• Nigeria’s entry: Nigeria joined in 1960 as the 99th member.

Nigeria’s role in the UN

• Peacekeeping: Nigerian soldiers and police have served in UN peacekeeping missions in places such as Lebanon, Congo and the former Yugoslavia.
• Leadership: many Nigerians have held high UN posts. Amina J. Mohammed, a Nigerian, has served as the UN Deputy Secretary-General since 2017. This is the second-highest post in the UN.
• Health and education: Nigeria works with UN agencies such as UNICEF and WHO.

Two UN agencies Nigeria works with

• UNICEF: the United Nations Children’s Fund, which helps children.
• WHO: the World Health Organisation, which fights diseases such as polio and malaria.

How do ECOWAS, the AU and the UN compare?

Why should Nigerian citizens care about international relations?

Nigeria’s good standing abroad brings respect, help and opportunities to every Nigerian.

• Respect: a strong role in these groups makes the Nigerian “Green Passport” respected.
• Help in trouble: friends in ECOWAS, the AU and the UN can assist Nigeria in a crisis.
• Trade and travel: cooperation makes business and movement between countries easier.
• Peace: peaceful neighbours make Nigeria safer.

Evaluation

1. Define international relations.
2. In what year was ECOWAS founded, and where is its headquarters?
3. Mention one country where Nigeria sent ECOMOG soldiers.
4. Name one Nigerian who is a top leader in the UN.
5. Why is it important for Nigeria to be a “Big Brother” to its neighbours?

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns: Group, Full meaning and Two roles Nigeria plays. Fill it in for ECOWAS, the AU and the UN.