Final answer:
Nigeria, during the Cold War era, adopted a Neutral stance as part of the Non-Aligned Movement, aiming to maintain sovereignty and avoid allying with either the United States or the Soviet Union to ensure self-determination and independent development. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaluating Nigeria's stance during the Cold War era, the most accurate description of its position would be Neutral under the Non-Aligned Movement—a movement of nations that sought to remain independent of both the United States and the Soviet Union's influence.
The Non-Aligned Movement was a collective of countries, including Nigeria, which sought to avoid becoming pawns in the global chess game between the two superpowers.
Instead of aligning strictly with the Western bloc or the Eastern bloc, these countries aimed to maintain their sovereignty and avoid entering into military alliances or allowing foreign military bases on their soil.
This was partly in reaction to the perceived risks of aligning closely with either the US or the USSR, both of whom were engaged in proxy wars and exerting their influence globally.
During the Cold War, Nigeria, like other members of the Non-Aligned Movement, navigated a path between the competing ideologies and influences of the United States and the Soviet Union.
Nigeria's decision to join this movement was rooted in its desire for self-determination and the development of newly independent nations post-colonialism.
Hence, option C is correct.