Nigeria played fundamental roles in the creation of

Analyze the question: The question asks which international organisation Nigeria played a fundamental (leading, founding) role in creating.

Explain the concept: Nigeria's foreign policy has Africa as its "centre piece," and one of its biggest achievements in regional diplomacy was pushing for economic integration in West Africa.

Go through the options:

• A. ECOWAS: The Economic Community of West African States was founded on 28 May 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos. Nigeria, under General Yakubu Gowon, together with Togo's President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, drove the initiative. Nigeria is also the largest financial contributor and hosts the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja. This is a fundamental role.
• B. OPEC: Founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Nigeria only joined in 1971, so it was not a founder.
• C. UN: Founded in 1945, before Nigeria's independence in 1960. Nigeria joined in 1960 as the 99th member.
• D. Commonwealth: It evolved from the British Empire. Nigeria joined at independence in 1960 and did not create it.

Exam tip: Remember "Lagos 1975 = ECOWAS". For "founding member" questions, check the dates. If an organisation was formed before 1960 (UN, OPEC, Commonwealth), Nigeria could not have been a founder, since it was not yet independent.