Perceptions in Nigeria and United States of America relations

Nigeria and United States of America are colossal and strategic in global security concern. Over the years, a number of domestic and external factors have, individually or collectively, shaped the pattern of relations between the two countries in military and security affairs. These factors include oil, population, military and security capabilities as well as threat posed by terrorism. This paper posits that analysis of perceptions of decision makers is relevant in explaining the factors and in understanding the pattern of relations between the two countries. The paper uses Stimulus-Response Model of Decisionmaking to examine perception of decision makers of Nigeria and the USA. Using qualitative method of data collection and analysis, the paper establishes that some domestic and external factors such as oil, peacekeeping credentials and threat of terrorism produced either cooperation of disagreement in the relations. The paper concludes that positive perception displayed by the USA against stimuli of oil and peacekeeping credentials of Nigeria promotes understanding in the relations; while negative perception by the USA towards threat of terrorism and population of Nigeria facilitates misunderstanding in the relations. Thus, the paper suggests that the two countries should always emphasize factors that promote understanding in their relations.