Research On Obasanjo And The Process Of Modernization In Nigeria

On 1^st October, 1960, Nigeria became sovereignty from the British colony and initiated its modernization development process. In this nearly semicentennial process, successive governments carry out lots of explorations and reforms of different degrees. Among which, the most remarkable one is executed by Obasanjo Government. As the present president staging a comeback, Obasanjo is an important figure on the political forum and a national leader having modern thinking. In the period of military government, Obasanjo took the lead in returning the state power to civilians and won international respect. As the democratically elected president, he holds high the greater banner against corruption, impels greatly political and economic reforms which to some extent, make an impact on the modernization in Nigeria.Political stability is the basic request of modernization. Because of the frequent military coup, the political situation in Nigeria was rather volatile; therefore, the realization of political stability was the Nigerians' long-cherished wish. In 1999, the success election of Obasanjo brought a totally new chance to the stability of Nigerian government and the development of economy. On the ground of sorting out and analyzing abundant first-hand information and previous researches, this thesis focus on the modernization process pushed by Obasanjo and conducts systematically the study on national consciousness, political and economic reforms and multiple-track diplomacy.This thesis can be divided into four chapters, and preface and conclusion as well.The preface states the research significance of this thesis, reviews the current situations in and out of Nigeria, puts forward personal opinions of writing, and lists systematically and definitely the life of Obasanjo.The first chapter states the complicated process of Nigeria modernization from 1960 to 1999. Seen from the angle of full text, this part is the analysis and matting of the background information, including the relationship between the political crisis of the first Republic as well as the exploration of Gowon and Babangida militarygovernment and modernization process, and the economic development from 1960 to 1999. The analysis of complication of modernization in Nigeria is conducted to illustrate the importance of questing the way of modernization that fits the realities of their own country.The second chapter studies Obasanjo and Nigeria political modernization. Transcending tribes and regions, Obasanjo's national consciousness plays an important role in the modernization process. Years of military life and the practice of returning the state power to civilians make him grow from a patriotic officer to a modern political leader. In the period of military government, Obasanjo struggled hard for the national unity, returned boldly the state power to civilians and pushed forward the political modernization process in Nigeria. As the democratically elected president, Obasanjo makes full use of advantages in serving his country; puts much emphasis on national reconciliation; holds high the greater banner against corruption; renovates the national order and plays an important role in political democratization.The third chapter analyzes Obasanjo and the economic modernization in Nigeria. This part includes new government's economic policies and strategies as well as the achievements and problems of agriculture, industry and foreign trade under the influence of strategies. To develop national economy, Obasanjo government decrees the "1999-2003 Economic Development Program" and "2003-2007 National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies", and proposes economic reform general policies and measurements. Owing to the value and support of the government, agriculture enhances its leading position in national economy; manufacturing strengthens its vitality; oil and gas develops fast and foreign trade becomes unprecedented vigorous. At the same time, the author also points out the existing problems, including such factors which restrict the development of economy as the single economic structure and the bad investing conditions.The fourth chapter talks about Obasanjo's foreign relation and modernization, which comprises mainly the foreign policies at the initial stage of independence, Obasanjo's African point of view and his multiple-track diplomacy strategies. All these improve Nigeria international relationships; promote the development ofnational economy, raise its international status and lay a good foundation for the all-around modernization process.On the basis of analyzing the successive governments' effects in impelling Nigeria's development, the conclusion part summarizes features of modernization; makes a comparison between Obasanjo's policies in military government and in democratically elected government, therefore, we can have a clear idea about the effect of Obasanjo government in Nigeria modernization process.