Nigeria’s diminishing influence as a diplomatic powerhouse in Africa can be reversed by strengthening internal security and implementing robust economic reforms, according to public policy experts at Nextier. In their latest report titled “Nigeria’s Waning Influence: Can the Giant of Africa Reclaim Its Diplomatic Might?”, the experts argue that bolstering military capabilities, strengthening anti-corruption institutions, and revitalizing the economy are key to regaining Nigeria’s prominence on the global stage.
The Nextier team, led by Olive Aniunoh, a Legal and Policy Research Analyst, and Khadijat Shuaibu, a Policy Research Analyst, explored the factors that led to Nigeria’s diplomatic decline. Historically, Nigeria was a leader in peacekeeping and regional stability efforts, with significant roles in African Union (AU) and ECOWAS diplomacy, and a powerful influence in global issues like the fight against apartheid. However, the country’s internal challenges chiefly insecurity and economic instability have greatly diminished its standing.
The report outlines how the Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, and separatist movements have strained Nigeria’s security forces, while economic challenges, political instability, and deepened ethnic and religious divisions have eroded its diplomatic clout. These factors, the experts note, have created a vacuum in West Africa, with countries like China, Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states stepping in to fill the power void, reshaping Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
To reverse this trend, the experts recommend:
- Modernizing the Military: Focus on intelligence-driven security, conflict prevention, and regional peacebuilding efforts, especially within West Africa.
- Economic Reform: Expand trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promote agricultural exports, and reduce dependency on oil. This includes implementing strong anti-corruption measures, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving public sector efficiency.
- Youth Empowerment: Reform education to prioritize STEM and vocational training, while leveraging cultural industries like Nollywood and Afrobeat to boost Nigeria’s global influence.
- Diplomatic Leadership: Lead in AU, ECOWAS, and UN diplomacy to mediate conflicts, shape policies, and promote Pan-African development, with a long-term goal of securing a seat on the UN Security Council.
By addressing these internal issues and revitalizing its foreign policy, Nigeria has the potential to reclaim its historic role as Africa’s diplomatic leader, securing its influence both regionally and globally. The Nextier report calls for urgent action to restore Nigeria’s position as a central force in shaping Africa’s future.
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