United Nations Peacekeeping Participation and Nigeria’s Diplomatic Standing: Perspectives from Enugu State Security Stakeholders

Nigeria has maintained one of the largest troop contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa, a commitment widely interpreted as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and its claim to continental leadership. This study examines the relationship between Nigeria's sustained peacekeeping engagement and its diplomatic standing within the international community, drawing perspectives from security-sector stakeholders in Enugu State, including retired military officers, civil society analysts, and academic researchers. Situating this inquiry within the context of Nigeria's evolving security challenges between 2020 and 2024, the research employs qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, to capture nuanced local perspectives on peacekeeping as a foreign policy instrument. Neorealism and middle power theory provide the theoretical context for interpreting findings. The study finds that respondents largely affirm the symbolic and reputational value of peacekeeping participation for Nigeria's international image; however, they express concern about the domestic security opportunity costs incurred when elite military units are deployed abroad rather than addressing insurgency and banditry within Nigerian borders. The research further reveals a limited public understanding in Enugu of how peacekeeping operations connect to broader diplomatic goals such as Security Council membership aspirations and African Union reform advocacy. The study recommends a comprehensive national peacekeeping strategy that balances international commitments with domestic security priorities, supported by enhanced civic education on Nigeria's foreign policy goals. Keywords: UN peacekeeping, Nigerian foreign policy, diplomatic standing, security, Enugu State