The United States of America refused to license the sales of arms to the federal government, as a result, Nigerians were reluctant to interact with USA and turned to the Soviet Union who supplied the federal government arms.
During Nigeria's First Republic (1960-1966), the country's foreign policy was influenced by both international dynamics and domestic considerations. The Cold War era significantly influenced international relations. Nigeria, newly independent and seeking to establish itself, was navigating the global pressures of aligning with either Western or Eastern blocs. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were the principal superpowers, and their competition often influenced the foreign policies of smaller nations.
During the early years of Nigeria's independence, the U.S. was hesitant to supply arms to Nigeria. This reluctance was partly due to concerns over the stability of the Nigerian government and the potential for arms to be used in internal conflicts or to destabilise the region further. The U.S. was cautious about providing military support to nations in unstable regions, especially when there were concerns about political and military reliability.
Faced with difficulties in securing arms and military support from the U.S., Nigeria began to look for alternatives. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, was willing to provide military assistance and arms to newly independent African nations as part of its broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa and counter Western dominance. This led Nigeria to strengthen its relations with the Soviet Union, particularly in terms of military equipment and support.
Nigeria's relationship with the U.S. during this period was characterised by cautious diplomacy. While Nigeria was open to engaging with Western nations, including the U.S., the perceived lack of support and assistance made it turn towards the Soviet Union for immediate needs. This shift was also a strategic move to diversify Nigeria's international alliances and strengthen its position in global affairs.