Concept:During the First Republic (
1960–
1966), Nigeria’s foreign policy leaned towards the West and was openly anti-communist.
Explanation:The First Republic was dominated by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
At that time, the Cold War divided the world into two rival blocs.
Balewa’s government feared that Soviet influence could weaken Nigeria’s fragile unity.
This fear made Nigeria very reluctant to have meaningful political or military interaction with the Soviet Union.
Nigeria declined Soviet offers of aid and scholarships because they were seen as tools for spreading communism.
Britain and the United States remained Nigeria’s preferred partners for defence and development.
Even when formal diplomatic ties were later established, Nigeria kept the relationship limited and cautious.
This pro-Western and anti-communist posture clearly shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy between
1960 and
1966.
Answer:B. the Soviet Union