The declaration of Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria's foreign policy could be traced back to the administration of

Analyze the question: It asks which administration first declared Africa as the "centrepiece" of Nigeria's foreign policy. You need to know when this principle began.

Explain the concept: The phrase "Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria's foreign policy" was first stated by Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. In his historic speech to the UN General Assembly on 7 October 1960, after Nigeria's independence, he made clear that Nigeria's foreign policy would be centred on Africa. Later governments (Murtala/Obasanjo, Shagari, Buhari and others) kept and built on this principle, but it began in the First Republic.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Tafawa Balewa (1960-1966): He stated the principle at independence. He supported African unity, opposed colonialism and apartheid, and helped form the OAU in 1963. ✔
2. Shehu Shagari (1979-1983): He continued the Africa-centred policy (e.g. support for the liberation of Southern Africa, ECOWAS), but did not originate it. ✘
3. Buhari and Idiagbon (1983-1985): They stressed "Africa as centrepiece" but also focused on economic diplomacy and "Nigeria first". They did not start it. ✘
4. Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975): He was a key founder of ECOWAS in 1975, but the idea predates him. ✘

Correct answer: A. Tafawa Balewa

Tip: For "traced back to" or "origin" questions in Government, think of the earliest administration that fits. For Nigerian foreign policy, the starting point is the First Republic under Balewa (1960). Remember the key phrase: Balewa = Africa as centrepiece, non-alignment, and the Commonwealth/OAU ties.