The Problems and Prospects of Nigeria-israeli Relations: in the 1990s

A theater of the Israeli-Arab-Palestinian conflict was successfully introduced to Africa by Afro-Arab countries in the 1960s. Many African countries including Nigeria consequently severed diplomatic ties with the state of Israel during and after the 1973 Arab- Israeli war. While several scholars have tried to adduce reasons for the African capitulation to Arab/Afro-Arab blackmail, despite Israel's friendly overtures and assistance to African states during the period, this study focus on Nigeria's relations with Israel beginning from the 1950s up to the 1990s when Nigeria re-established diplomatic relations with the Jewish state much to the chagrin of the Arab, Afro- Arab countries, as well as anti-Israeli groups including region within Nigeria. The study reviewed the circumstances that surrounds the reversal of the Nigerian decision especially by a Muslim military ruler and the architect of Nigeria's full membership of the Organization of Islamic Countries. The study appraised the International implication of Nigeria and Africa's acceptance of Israel in the 1990s, highlighting the factors that could mar the new Jewish diplomatic breakthrough.