Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Diaspora Diplomacy has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, regulators, and practitioners concerned with nigeria's national image abroad. This growing interest reflects the recognition that diaspora diplomacy does not operate in isolation, but interacts with a wider set of institutional and market conditions found within Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States.

Within the context of Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of diaspora diplomacy on nigeria's national image abroad, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While diaspora diplomacy is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on nigeria's national image abroad within Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to diaspora diplomacy are helping or hindering nigeria's national image abroad — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Diaspora Diplomacy on nigeria's national image abroad in Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States.
2. To assess the extent to which diaspora diplomacy influences nigeria's national image abroad within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with diaspora diplomacy in relation to nigeria's national image abroad.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing diaspora diplomacy in order to improve nigeria's national image abroad.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of diaspora diplomacy on nigeria's national image abroad in Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States?
2. To what extent does diaspora diplomacy influence nigeria's national image abroad within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with diaspora diplomacy in relation to nigeria's national image abroad?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize diaspora diplomacy in order to improve nigeria's national image abroad?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around nigeria's national image abroad. For managers and practitioners within Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States, the study provides practical insight into how diaspora diplomacy can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on international relations and diplomacy by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States, focusing specifically on how diaspora diplomacy relates to nigeria's national image abroad within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.