The State and the Military: Perspectives on Nigeria-USA Military Cooperation

The official position of USA and Nigeria in favour of military cooperation rather than a military pact does not necessarily demean its value in defence and strategic thinking. The withdrawal of military assistance to Nigeria on March 23, 2003 should be seen as a strong protest against Nigerian reservations on the US-led war on Iraq rather than a complete end to it.
Though military cooperation will strengthen capacity building and influence of Nigeria in military affairs, Nigeria needs to probe beyond appearances to ensure a new thinking for enriching the strategic value of military cooperation.