Nigeria has frequently experienced diplomatic tensions and geopolitical spats, ranging from trade disputes with immediate West African neighbors to ideological and security clashes with global powers.
From its most severe historical conflict during the Nigerian civil war to its most recent notable diplomatic rift with the United States of America, these are seven times Nigeria had issues with its neighbors.
Republic of Biafra (1967–1970)
Nigeria’s most severe historical tension and conflict occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. The secession of the southeastern region (declared as the Republic of Biafra) led to a devastating three-year war.
While largely an internal struggle, the crisis drew significant international involvement, with countries like France and several African nations offering varying degrees of diplomatic recognition or humanitarian aid to the secessionist state, causing tension with the Nigerian federal government.
Israel (1973)
Nigeria historically severed diplomatic ties with Israel following the Yom Kippur War in 1973, aligning with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) stance on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Full diplomatic relations were not officially restored until 1992.
Equatorial Guinea (2000s)
Nigeria had maritime boundary tensions with Equatorial Guinea over oil-rich areas in the Gulf of Guinea. The two nations eventually resolved these issues through the signing of the “Unitisation Agreement” over cross-border oil fields, preventing a major geopolitical dispute in the region.
South Africa (2019–2026)
Nigeria has experienced periodic diplomatic tensions with South Africa due to recurring xenophobic violence targeting Nigerian nationals and businesses. These tensions escalated in 2019, prompting both governments to temporarily recall ambassadors.
Tension currently seems at its highest, as some South African citizens have given Nigerians and other African nationals until June 30, 2026 to leave the country.
Ghana (2019–2026)
Similar tensions also flared up in Ghana in 2020 and early 2026) due to localized anti-foreigner sentiment, leading to immediate interventions by Nigerian diplomats.
Benin, Niger, and Cameroon (2019–2020)
Nigeria caused massive regional friction when it completely shut its land borders with Benin, Niger, and Cameroon in August 2019.
The prolonged closure, declared by then-President Muhammadu Buhari and lasting until December 2020, was an attempt by the Nigerian government to stop the illegal smuggling of rice and subsidized petroleum into neighboring states. It halted billions in regional trade and severely strained diplomatic relations.
United States (2025–2026)
The US and Nigeria experienced a notable diplomatic rift following the US Department of State’s 2025 designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
The action—linked to violence against religious groups and alleged government inaction—strained ties. Both nations have actively worked to de-escalate these tensions, with official engagements leading to strengthened bilateral health and security agreements.
