Experts from Nextier have indicated that Nigeria's declining prominence as a leading diplomatic force in Africa could be addressed by enhancing internal security through advanced military frameworks, along with reinforcing democratic systems and anti-corruption bodies.
In their recent research paper entitled 'Waning Influence of Nigeria: Can Africa's Giant Regain Its Diplomatic Strength?', published by PUNCH Online on Friday, Nextier recommended that for Nigeria to become a prominent voice in continental affairs, it should take the initiative in leading international mediation endeavors within both the African Union and ECOWAS.
Experts analyzed the elements contributing to Nigeria’s loss of significant influence in African and international diplomacy, then provided suggestions to reverse this trend.
The report was written by Olive Aniunoh, who serves as a Legal, Policy, and Research Analyst at Nextier and holds a law degree from the University of Birmingham, England, along with Khadijat Shuaibu, a Policy Research Analyst and Project Support Officer at Nextier. Both individuals have conducted research focusing on governance, development, and conflict dynamics within Africa.
They highlighted Nigeria's historic involvement in mediation and peacekeeping efforts, along with its robust promotion of democracy across West Africa and globally. This was supported by significant internal stability, a reliable military force, and leaders capable of commanding respect internationally.
For many years, Nigeria held the position of Africa’s leading diplomatic heavyweight. The country consistently fought against apartheid in South Africa and served as a stabilizing influence in Western Africa. Additionally, it played an essential role in crafting regional peacekeeping initiatives.
“However, this influence is now waning. Nigeria’s diplomatic strength has diminished—not due to outside forces but because of internal divisions, particularly an unrelenting surge of insecurity and worsening economic instability. A country cannot advocate for peace and stability throughout Africa when it struggles more each day to protect its borders or maintain economic progress,” the experts reminisced and deplored.
They emphasized specific issues such as the Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, along with spin-offs like ISIS-West Africa causing destruction in the northeast region. Additionally, they noted armed banditry in the northwest and separatist movements in the southeast—all of which persistently challenge Nigeria’s security infrastructure. Furthermore, they highlighted Nigeria’s fragile economy, which has diminished its diplomatic influence, coupled with ongoing political instability, poor governance, and deep-seated ethnic and religious divides within the country.
They argue that following the power void created by Nigeria, external actors including China and Russia, along with intermediate powers such as Turkey and the Gulf States, have moved in, altering Africa’s geopolitical dynamics. In particular, China’s presence and influence across Africa has dramatically increased over the last twenty years.
To achieve the opposite effect, the Nextier team suggested the following: "Nigeria needs to strengthen intelligence-led security measures, conflict prevention strategies, peace-building efforts, and military upgrades, all while improving regional collaboration to foster stability across West Africa."
Nigeria ought to broaden its trading activities using the AfCFTA framework and showcase agribusinesses internationally to enhance economic growth and lessen reliance on oil. Policymakers in Nigeria must implement stringent anticorruption policies, reinforce democratic systems by ensuring transparency and independent judiciaries, and improve the effectiveness of the public sector to ensure efficient policymaking and service provision.
There is an urgent requirement to revamp the educational system with a focus on enhancing STEM subjects, vocational training, and fostering innovation as key strategies for empowering young people. Simultaneously, we must harness the power of Nollywood, Afrobeat, and literary works to strengthen our global cultural impact. Nigeria ought to take a leading role within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations to help resolve disputes, develop influential policies, and advance continental growth. Additionally, Nigeria should strive towards securing a position on the UN Security Council by building robust international partnerships.
The report asserted that Nigeria could reclaim its position as a key player in both African and worldwide matters by tackling domestic security and economic issues, enhancing governmental effectiveness, fostering human development, and revamping diplomatic interactions. It emphasized that the nation must reassess its strategic focus and demonstrate strong leadership with fresh determination to protect its standing and fulfill its traditional mission of influencing Africa’s trajectory.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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