REFORM OF THE DEFENSE SECTOR IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF NIGERIA DURING THE FOURTH REPUBLIC, 1999-2016

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the reform of the Defense Sector in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic, with emphasis on the impact it had on four strategic areas: civil-military relations, force structure design, training and strategic management of military personnel and modernization of weapon systems. Furthermore, this text evaluates the role the military have played in African politics since independence, as well as the organization of the Nigerian Armed Forces during the colonial and post-colonial period. Finally, this research reviews the consequences of the reform of the Defense Sector and the impact it had on Nigeria´s foreign policy towards Africa