Interrogating the Contending Issues in Nigeria-Ghana Relations: Reciprocity of Consequences or Constructive Engagement

The objective of this paper is to offer theoretical, analytical, and methodological investigations into the character of Nigeria’s relations and reactions towards Ghana on how it has been able to get to the level of reciprocity over trade disputes, political differences/relevance and superiority of influence in West Africa, Africa, and the world. In recent times, the counter measurers over demolition of Nigeria’s High Commission building in Accra and here conducts against the Ghana’s moves while it opted for constructive engagement and downplay the call for retaliatory or regulatory steps on Ghana. It also investigated how Nigeria has been able to use its constructive dialogue skills/diplomacy over reasons of reciprocity on other matters of national interest in relation to Ghana as citizens of both states have been deeply affected while businesses shutdown in both capitals at critical stages. The paper posits to examine the point of departure and seek ways for diplomatic intervention, and calls for leadership political will, factoring in the case of African Continental Free Trade Area Agreements, National and Strategic interests of both states, and the establishment of a compensation fund to Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana. The paper makes use of secondary data while it adopts theories of interdependence and reciprocity as theoretical frameworks for the study.