Is Nigeria a Regional Hegemon to Be Feared?

Abstract

This article deals with a crucial question of an important aspect of the West African, and indeed African regional integration projects. It relates to the image and perception of Nigeria as it tries to play, or is expected to play a leadership role, especially in the West Africa sub-region, and particularly in the area of peacekeeping and / or peace enforcement operations in the region. We will argue that contrary to the belief in some quarters, Nigeria cannot be described as a "regional hegemon", because whatever hegemonic status it may have, does not pose any genuine threat to any African country.