(a) Foreign policy refers to the strategy and tactics employed by a state in conducting her relationship with other states while pursuing her interest.
(b) The factors that influence Nigeria's foreign policy are:
(i) The population, land mass and the quality of human resources of Nigeria affect her foreign policy.
(ii) The economic resources available to Nigeria, e.g. mineral re-sources and agricultural products affect foreign policy.
(iii)The commitments of previous governments, e.g. treaties and pacts, affect foreign policy.
(iv) The ideological disposition of the rulers affect foreign policy as countries tend to relate more with those countries with similar ideologies.
(v) The military strength of Nigeria (i.e. size of the army and the quality) influences her foreign policy.
(vi) The industrial strength of Nigeria influences her choice of trading partners, e.g. electricity supply to Niger, Gas to Ghana, Republic of Benin and Togo.
(vii) Public opinion on issues can bring changes in government foreign policy, e.g. Anglo — Nigeria pact of 1962.
(viii) The geographical location of a country also exerts some influence on its foreign policy. Africa for example is described as centre piece of Nigeria's foreign policy.
(ix) Historical background of the country also affects her foreign policy, e.g. Nigeria's membership of the Commonwealth.
(x) Types of government, e.g. military or democratic government, can affect foreign policy .