NIGERIA AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA, A NEAR BUT FAR NEIGHBOURS: ANALYZING RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO CONTIGUOUS NATIONS

Abstract

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are two contiguous neighbours in the Guly of Guinea.  Separated without land borders, by about 150 kilometres of Atlantic ocean, both countries share common martime boundary and linked by close exclusive economic zones.  Unfortunately, these two close neighbours which should serve as examples of roburst relationship have been characterized by not too vibrant and often frosty and dormant relations.  This study examines the relationship between these two neighbours with limited cooperation and unexplored opportunities.  The study is guided by the theory of propinquity as a tool of analysis and adopted the qualitative method of data collection with the application of content analysis in the presentation of data.  The study argues that although, both countries have improved their relations in recent years with reduced mutual suspicion and relaxation of tension, however, much needs to be done in accelerating and re-envigorating Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea relations.