Book: Nigeria, Africa and The United StatesAuthor: Robert Shepard Volume: 208 pagesAvailable at: Rwanda National LibraryTHIS book traces U.S.-Nigerian relations over six American administrations, situating the relationship within the context of U.S. policy toward other regions of the continent, particularly southern Africa, where Nigeria has sometimes claimed to have interests of its own at stake.

Although little new information is marshalled regarding American policies in Africa, the lesser known Nigerian side of the relationship is presented in illuminating detail.

Policy positions taken by Lagos are shown to reflect not only economic uncertainties but also Nigeria’s volatile domestic politics, the personal styles of particular Nigerian leaders and the political self-image Nigeria has assumed as Africa’s most populous and collectively egotistical nation.