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Abstract

This paper takes a critical look at Nigeria's changing role in the promotion of democratic values in Africa since its return to democracy in 1999. The paper argues that the changing role of Nigeria from an importer to an exporter of democracy can be understood in terms of the global wind of change; Nigeria's African centre-piece policy; perception of threats to its leadership position in Africa especially from South Africa; and the personality of Obasanjo given his international credentials and stature. The paper however notes that inherent contradictions in the domestic political economy such as nsmg poverty, inequality and politics of disempowerment, which have served to limit the reach of the project, may have also served as an added impetus for Nigeria's changing role so as to divert attention away from domestic inadequacies. However, unless these contradictions are redressed, coupled with a sustainable regime of evaluating Nigeria's efforts, the hope of exporting democracy abroad and that of consolidating Nigeria's democracy, will remain a mirage after all, whatever the level of pretensions to the contrary.

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