ABSTRACT
Nigeria ended the 1967–70 civil war with an army of 250,000, the biggest in Africa, except for Egypt’s, and with black Africa’s biggest navy and air force. With far the biggest population of any African country and with swelling oil revenues, and with the moral strength of a country which had not only survived by her own efforts a long civil war but had ensured a remarkable reconciliation among the contestants, Nigeria was a natural leader in the continent. The pre-1966 civilian government was accused of reluctance to lead, and of subservience to non-African influences. The military rulers, though always careful not to appear high-handed, were ready to lead where necessary, notably in matters affecting Zimbabwe and South Africa. The nationalisation of BP’s assets in Nigeria because of the company’s alleged complicity in providing oil for South Africa was one case. But Nigeria also remained resolutely non-aligned. President Shehu Shagari is no less determined to use Nigeria’s strength and influence for what he considers to be international welfare; and although he rejects slogans and is always realistic, he feels passionately about the oppression of fellow-Africans in the south of their continent.
