(a) Foreign Policy is the pattern of behaviour that a nation adopts towards other countries in pursuing its interest in relation with other States, it is a set of guiding principle or action by one State in relation to others.
(b)(i) An important factor in the foreign policy of Nigeria is its geographical location.
(ii) Population/size: The population and size of Nigeria have also affected the shaping of Nigeria's foreign policy.
(iii) Economic resources: The relative resources help Nigeria to champion other African States.
(iv) The quality of Nigerian leaders: The ability of the leaders can determine the interaction of Nigeria with other nations.
(v) African interest: With Africa as the center-piece of Nigeria foreign policy, she has been very active in the protection of African interests.
(vi) Historical factors, such as, Nigeria's attachment to Britain and former British colonies.
(vii) Democratic consideration affects Nigeria's foreign policy.
(viii) The relative military strength of Nigeria shapes her relations with other nations.
(ix) Critical public opinion can shape Nigeria's foreign policy.
(x) The national interest of Nigeria.
(xi) The ideological perception of the government e.g. Non-alignment.
(xii) Membership of international organizations e.g. ECOWAS, UNO, etc.