THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES

Abstract

Foreign policy is a critical instrument through which nations engage in diplomacy, trade, security collaborations, and global governance. It defines a country’s interactions with other states and international organizations, shaping its global influence and national development. Prior to the return to democratic rule in 1999, the long years of military rule made the administration of foreign policy to be primarily an executive function, with the Head of State/President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs playing central roles (Osondu-Oti & Tolu, 2016; Fineman, 2019; and Ahmed, 2020). However, the return to democracy in 1999 transformed the landscape, expanding the role of the National Assembly in the country’s foreign policy administration (Adewumi & Babajide, 2021). This transition from military to civilian rule marked a shift from an executive-dominated approach to a more participatory model, where legislative oversight, treaty ratification, budgetary approvals, and diplomatic engagements became key functions of the legislature (Adewumi & Babajide, 2021)