This study explores the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy through a comparative analysis of the administrations of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the military regime of Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo. It examines the transition from a conservative and Commonwealth-centric approach under Balewa to a confrontational stance focusing on African affairs during the Murtala/Obasanjo era. By scrutinizing domestic and external factors shaping foreign policy, the study aims to uncover the catalysts behind this shift. Additionally, it evaluates the instruments employed to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives under both administrations. Ultimately, this research provides insights into the driving forces and long-term implications of Nigeria’s foreign policy decisions during critical periods of its history.