https://www.independent.co.uk/news/nigeria-ap-antony-blinken-washington-biden-b2058464.html
Although human rights concerns prevail in Nigeria, the Biden administration has approved Nigeria’s purchase of $1 billion in arms. There are concerns about battle threats from criminal gangs and extremists in the north. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Nigeria. In his visit, Blinken presented concerns regarding human rights. Blinken had made clear that the United States partnership was to “combat terrorism and Islamic extremism in West Africa”. The partnership will combat the Sahel region; the Sahel is a heavy crime area extending the Sahara Desert. Nonetheless, in October of 2022, the Nigerian army opened fire at a demonstration, which resulted in the loss of 11 Nigerian lives.
Historically, African countries have been lagging in the world economically due to Imperialism and neo-colonialism. Receiving aid from major world powers is a common practice amongst these dependent countries, so it is evident why Nigeria chose to purchase weapons from the United States. However, since the United States has its incentive, to combat terrorism, American interest in Nigeria is limited. Countries, especially the top countries globally, will only do what is in their best national interest. This means that the region of Africa will be continuously searching for aid but never truly become successful due to their dependence. The capitalist countries will continue to exploit the African countries due to their self-interest and their capacity to do so.
On an individual level of analysis, each respective country is simply doing what is good for its nation. Consequently, dominating weak countries, powers like the United States can ‘pick and choose’ their affairs, something nations with less power do not have the luxury of. Although there are human rights violations in Nigeria, the United States may view this as an opportunity to secure their own country: combating the Sahel. Yet, countries like Nigeria are a prime example of the Dependency Theory. Due to imperialism, countries rebuilding from colonialism are scrambling to catch up with the world. In order to get a foothold in world economics, post-colonial countries seek aid from their previous colonizers or other major world powers.