Addressing Neocolonialism in Nigeria-France Diplomacy

State visit as a tool of diplomacy is underpinned by a few core principles. It is unarguable that there are some of the principles that watchers of Nigeria-France relations will pay keen attention to, as President Tinubu of Nigeria touched down early evening on Wednesday in the cold Orly airport, France. One can’t help but be curious how Presidents Tinubu and Macron will have a frank and fair conversation yet avoid confrontational or unilateral demands. At least behind closed doors.

What about Regional Influence?  Nigeria seeks to assert its leadership at least in the West Africa subregion, sometimes conflicting with France’s relationships with Francophone African countries. France’s deep ties with Francophone nations overshadows, if not undermines, Nigeria’s efforts at regional integration and leadership through the Economic Community of West African States  (ECOWAS). How will this be navigated in the new French partnership with Africa? Or could this be one of the contentious issues that will be avoided?

Focusing  on cooperative and respectful dialogue is desirable. And indeed there are much more that unite than divide both countries. But would it not be waste of Nigerian taxpayers money if Tinubu returns home without confronting a number of knotty issues all in the name of the principle of mutual respect? France is on an offensive to redefine its Africa partnership given the growing anti-French sentiment across the continent. The discerning Nigerians perceive  France’s actions in neighboring Francophone countries as neocolonial. Also, Concentricism has always been the main thrust of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which denotes that Africa’s interests is at the heart of Nigeria’s interest. Little wonder Nigeria often advocates for African sovereignty and self-determination, which clashes with France’s historical influence in West and Central Africa. A redefined partnership with Africa that does not sufficiently take this into consideration will be short lived if it even manages to take off. Is this on President Tinubu’s agenda?

French-Nigerian Convergence

Before delving into the contentious issues in the French-Nigeria relations, it should be helpful to briefly touch on the areas where the two economies see eye to eye. There is agreement in principle on security cooperation for mutual benefits because both nations align on the fact that the sustainability of the warm economic and trade relations between them today, can only continue to be anchored tomorrow on a secure environment. While it could be said that there is alignment around the principles  of climate change and environmental matters, there is disparity on the speed to be applied in achieving energy transition. Call it a nuanced disagreement. Finally, cultural exchange has continued to be tied to education and in part on youth development. Both countries value cultural collaboration, with France being a significant promoter of African art and culture. French institutions in Nigeria, like the Alliance Française, facilitate educational and cultural exchanges.

Press releases from both the French and Nigerian presidency is unlikely to touch on the sticking points but by identifying these contentious areas, Nigeria can approach its dialogue with France strategically, emphasizing mutual interests while addressing critical points of divergence.

Divergent policy areas

Truth be told, neocolonialism even if it is in perception, remains an issue that analyst of France-Nigeria relations continue to monitor. As mentioned earlier there is growing anti-French sentiment across Africa. This derives its origin from the perception of neocolonialism. Nigeria has often advocated for African sovereignty and self-determination, which clashes with France’s historical influence in West and Central Africa. France has loads of work to change that perception and Nigeria can leverage its Regional Influence to help France on this rebranding mission. The major negotiating point would be France’s deep ties with Francophone nations and how this has overshadowed Nigeria’s efforts at regional integration and leadership through ECOWAS, of which President Tinubu is the current Chairman.

Counterterrorism

While France and Nigeria agree on countering terrorism, there are differing approaches. Nigeria’s perspective was shaped by skepticism over the effectiveness of France’s military strategy in the Sahel and concerns over France’s dominance in shaping regional security policies. If France has no ulterior counterterrorism motives, this is a matter that can be resolved with reassurance and transparency on the part of France.

ECOWAS Economic Independence

Nigeria’s advocacy for financial autonomy in the ECOWAS region, including the proposed ECO single currency, sometimes clashes with France’s support for the CFA Franc. Tinubu has implied that the CFA Franc remains a tool of economic control over Francophone countries, undermining regional economic independence.

Immigration Policies

France’s current strict immigration policies, deployed in response to the rising profile of the far-right political elements, which particularly target African migrants, including Nigerians, have been a point of contention and incrementally too. Of course it is the most normal thing in the world for Nigeria to advocate for fairer treatment and integration of African and Nigerian Diaspora in France. This is of critical importance to Nigeria as Diaspora is part of the 4D Renewed Foreign Policy strategy of the Tinubu administration. How vocally will Tinubu represent this advocacy given the Japa syndrome in Nigeria, its level of unpopularity amongst the political elites, and the potent anti-immigration sentiments in Europe?

Repatriation of Artifacts

Nigeria has been pushing for the return of artifacts taken during the colonial era, but progress has been slow, leading to frustration over France’s reluctance to expedite repatriation but also reparation. As a matter of point, a Senator of the ruling party of Tinubu, Ned Nwoko has made this a cardinal political point.

Energy Transition

Nigeria calls for a gradual, Africa-tailored approach to the energy transition to accommodate its developmental needs. This is one issue where some trade-offs may be required to resolve it. One can say that there is a good starting point because both nations agree at least in principle on climate goals. But given Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports, it will be unconscionable for President Tinubu to support  France’s push for aggressive energy transition policies.

Fairer international system

President Tinubu’s ambition to secure a fairer international system for Nigeria and Africa is both conceivable and attainable, particularly with strategic support from influential global partners like France. In President Macron commitment to redefining France’s relationship with Africa, he has emphasised mutual respect and equitable partnerships. This alignment presents opportunities for collaboration to advance Nigeria’s and Africa’s positions in the global arena. France can be positioned here as a pivotal ally. It’s got to require concerted efforts in advocacy, economic collaboration, security cooperation, and cultural exchange. A more equitable global order that benefits Nigeria, Africa, and the international community is doable. But was it on or off the table during the Tinubu state visit?

United Nations Security Council and Nigeria’s ambitions

Nigeria’s membership as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is conceivable, given its influence in Africa and globally. As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria has long expressed its ambition to represent Africa on a reformed UNSC. However, achieving this goal requires significant diplomatic support and global consensus, including backing from influential nations like France. The question in the minds of analysts is the extent to which such a conversation forms part of the Tinubu state visit to Macron. France can play a constructive role in advancing Nigeria’s UNSC ambitions by leveraging its global influence, fostering regional consensus, and advocating for a reformed Security Council that includes African representation. For Nigeria to succeed, it must also address domestic challenges, build stronger alliances, and sustain its role as a leader in regional and global peacekeeping efforts. What trade-offs could Macron put on the table and which concessions can Tinubu commit to? Again was this on the agenda or conveniently avoided?

It may very well be that the Tinubu state visit and a possible reciprocated one by Macron will help to lay the foundation stones in the much needed rebuilding of trust by France and redefining of its Africa partnership. The job will be made easier if France is ready for an open and honest dialogue on how France can rebuild trust with African nations. If Tinubu can get Macron to commit to the reorientation of France’s foreign policy towards true partnership and respect for African sovereignty, the ball would be set rolling in addressing the critically important and broader geopolitical dynamics between France and Nigeria and Africa by extension.

The author, Collins Nweke is opinion-maker writer with The Brussels Times. A Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria and the Institute of Management Consultantshe serves on the Governing Board of the International Association of Research Scholars & Administrators, where he is also a Fellow. He features on several Afrocentric media as Global Affairs Analyst and writes from Brussels, Belgium.

Nigeria@64

At 64 years post-independence, Nigeria stands as a nation of immense potential but also significant challenges.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria

While the country has made marginal advances in areas such as economic growth in some sectors and regional diplomacy, it continues to face persistent obstacles, including corruption, insecurity, and underdevelopment.

The success of Nigeria as a nation-state will depend on addressing these structural challenges while harnessing its human and natural resources for more equitable and sustainable development. #HappyIndependence #NigeriaAt64 #KeepHopeAlive #NigeriansWillNotGiveUp

Keynoting Omenaimo 2024

I’ve never had to give a public talk about being Igbo. That will change on Sunday 8 September when I will be keynoting Omenaimo ImoDay 2024 in Dublin Ireland.

I’d be deploying some personal narratives and some social theories in a storytelling format to try to do justice to the topic of #inculturation #identity #culture #interculture. Here is a pretaste of what #Umuimo #Ndigbo and #Nigerians in Ireland 🇮🇪 can expect from me:

When Mazi Utuagbaigwe insisted that he is not giving Adaeze’s hands in marriage to his Belgian son-in-law, if he does not perform the Igba Nkwu rites, was he being insensitive to the culture of his host country or being chauvinistic? Can it be judiciously argued that inviting his in-laws to negotiate his daughter’s bride price is an affront to European laws and culture? And what about his rebuke to his daughter and her husband that among the Igbos, marriage is an affair for both the immediate and extended family and he cannot have any of them question whoever he decides to identify as that extended family? What about tutoring his son-in-law that under no circumstances should he even think of calling him or his Lolo by their first names, he must call them what he hears Adaeze calls them! How does any of these strongly held positions hamper integration into their host community in Europe?

Clean Energy Transition: the global south versus the world.

In this extensive duo conversation, Secretary General of CBL-ACP Chamber of Commerce, Thomas De Beule and I were engaged by journalist Stephen Imediegwu of RadioNow FM Lagos. Within the framework of a mission to Nigeria to unveil and promote the 2nd Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum, holding in Brussels, Belgium on 18 – 20 September 2024, we sought to speak to the notion of Oil been a dead commodity.

The Diaspora as Drivers of Service Export for Nigeria

youtube.com/watch

In this conversation with TVC Breakfast anchored on my policy recommendation for an organised service export for Nigeria, I highlighted the Diaspora component of Nigeria’s current Renewed 4D Foreign Policy doctrine as providing the required framework.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Identity through Street Art in Ostend, Belgium

Street Art is defining and redefining contemporary communities around the world. Of the diverse use Fine Artists are putting the art form to, the ones that appeal to me the most are cultural-identity expression and social-political commentaries or activism if you like.

When Tonia and I migrated out of Nigeria and made Ostend, Belgium our new home, Africans, and non-Belgians in general, were barely seen nor heard in everything and everywhere. But all that have gradually and incrementally been changing. This is to our delight because the moment the kids started arriving, we realised that they did not ask to be born here. We brought them into the world here. This is their natural home. If we were going to simply sit back and lament about the lack of intercultural awareness, not to talk of racism, and do nothing to change beliefs, they would grow up here and meet the same situation that we met. Is that not a parental failure in some ways?

When we signed up as volunteers and joined Réginald Moreels to form Ostend’s first interracial community organisation, Jakoeboe vzw, of which I went on to become its founding President, it was an intentional decision. Our message was: let us bring cultures together, to get to know one another better, communicate and relate better. When I took up a course of study of Management in the Social Economy and focused my research on the use of cultural products as means to tackle cultural conflicts, for intercultural cohesion building, again it was an intentional decision that culminated in the establishment of the Exotic Kitchen. This was a project under The Global Village, that served as Ostend’s first intercultural centre with fusion kitchen & catering, manned by the new Belgians who had made Ostend their new home. All of these in a social profit context.

The Exotic Kitchen became a home for that lonely migrant with passion for culinary art but no avenue to express it beyond his or her tiny family unit, if there is a family. They could cook their national dishes and curious Ostenders could discover and enjoy these new meals and get to have conversations with the cook about their country, people, culture, life in Belgium, you name it. And gradually walls of fear are being broken down and bonds of friendships replacing them.

I am not saying that we are where we ought to be, but we are on the right path in recognising that inter-culturality is our reality of today. If anything, our cities will get more, not less culturally diverse than in the coming years. We can choose to be in denial of this inevitability or accept it and figure out ways to manage our city’s interplay of cultures effectively and efficiently.

Some of us that are more courageous and daring but not necessarily more intelligent than our forebears, again made the intentional decision to embrace politics as a tool to register our presence, get our voices heard, accentuate the things that are working well while working from policy and project angle, to change the wrong beliefs and sometimes outright racism. Those massages resonated with many hence when I joined party politics almost 18 years ago and told the voters that together with them, I would work to manage the intercultural reality facing us, they believed me, and I got elected.

When I spot Street Arts that identify with and give expression to Cultural Diversity and Identity, they give me optimism that we are not going back to the dark times of denialism of our intercultural reality. The Street Arts are reflecting the cultural and social identity of Ostend. These Fine Artists use this art form to celebrate local heritage, commemorate events, and honour significant figures or landmarks.

Some make in unique ways, some compelling social and political commentaries with their Street Art, expressing implied political opinions sometimes to Far-Right elements that we should all be in it together. In many ways, the Street Artists are equally about community engagement and empowerment. Their projects often involve collaboration with local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Community-driven art projects do engage youth and marginalised groups, providing them with a creative outlet and a voice.

I have no idea who the Street Artist is whose work has caught my fancy. And he did not sign it off, except I missed it. But he spoke to me from different dimensions. His painting of three African women and a child plays a multifaceted role. To me it serves as a vehicle for cultural expression, social commentary, adds to urban renewal of our beautiful Ostend, and it engages our diverse communities. The impact of Street Art goes beyond mere aesthetics. We are in dialogue now because it fostered the dialogue. Above all Street Arts are transforming our public spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.

US-Nigeria Partnership in a Changing Global Arena

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, offered his perspectives, and the 4D strategic vision for and on the evolving Nigeria-United States partnership.

At the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, offered his perspectives on the evolving Nigeria-United States partnership. The event, “US-Nigeria Partnership in the Changing Global Arena,” drew a distinguished audience comprising diplomatic figures, former US ambassadors to Nigeria, and policy experts. Moderated by Oge Onubogu, Director of the Wilson Center‘s Africa Program, the discussion centered on the multidimensional relationship between the two countries and its broader ramifications for global security and development.


Nigeria’s Strategic Role and Demographic Potential

Minister Tuggar emphasized the historical depth and strength of the US-Nigeria relationship, which dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Highlighting Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in Africa, he underscored Nigeria’s significant population, with over 200 million people, half of whom are under the age of 30, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the nation and the importance of collaboration in areas such as security, economic development, and democratic governance. The minister’s remarks were timely, coming on the heels of the recently concluded sixth US-Nigeria Binational Commission in Abuja, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to addressing shared challenges.

The “4D” Agenda: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora

One of the central themes of Tuggar’s address was Nigeria’s new foreign policy vision, encapsulated in the “4D” agenda: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora – under President Bola Tinubu. He articulated how these pillars are integral to Nigeria’s strategy to navigate the complexities of the current global landscape.

Emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, the minister highlighted the nation’s role in promoting democratic values across the African continent. He noted that Nigeria, with its demographic, is poised to harness the dividend of its growing population to drive sustainable development and economic growth.

On development, Minister Tuggar stressed the importance of infrastructure projects and economic reforms aimed at creating jobs and fostering inclusive growth. He outlined Nigeria’s ambitious infrastructure development plans, including the expansion of broadband cabling, the adoption of 5G technology, and the construction of gas pipelines to leverage Nigeria’s significant gas reserves; noting the importance of trade and investment partnerships with the United States to support these initiatives.

Engaging the Nigeria Diaspora community is a key focus of the administration; whether in terms of investment opportunities or tapping its diaspora human capital. The minister called for greater investment in Nigeria’s vast gas reserves as a transition fuel, which would support industrialization and energy security while also addressing climate change concerns. He spoke about the significance of intellectual property rights in protecting Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industries, which include Nollywood and the Afrobeats music scenes; buttressing the role the music genre has played in putting Nigeria on the global stage.

Security Cooperation and Counterterrorism

Addressing the issue of security, Tuggar acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorism and transnational crime in the West African region. He called for enhanced US-Nigeria cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, including the provision of advanced military equipment and training. The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and transparency in its security operations, noting the establishment of a human rights desk within the Nigerian Army.

The conversation also touched on Nigeria’s strategic autonomy in its foreign policy, with Ambassador Tuggar affirming the nation’s non-aligned stance. He stressed the importance of homegrown solutions to African problems and warned against the presence of foreign mercenaries and private military companies in the region. The minister reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to any form of external dominance and called for partnerships that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and promote mutual benefit.

Internal Security Challenges and International Partnerships

Minister Tuggar also addressed Nigeria’s internal security challenges, particularly the fight against terrorism and insurgency. He highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in providing the necessary weapons, equipment, and technical support to combat these threats effectively. The minister called for a reevaluation of restrictions like the Leahy Law, which prohibits the sale of certain military equipment to Nigeria, arguing that such limitations hinder Nigeria’s ability to address security threats comprehensively.

Israel-Palestine Conflicts and Nigeria’s Stance

A key highlight of the discussion was Nigeria’s stance on global conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Minister Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in Ukraine.

The event marked Minister Tuggar’s first official visit to Washington, D.C., and he expressed optimism about the future of US-Nigeria relations.

ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW

In this open letter to the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere, he was charged by Collins Nweke to address the Elephant in the room, which is how he wishes history to remember his Chairmanship.

As you settle into office, Honourable House Committee Chairman, Sir Tochukwu Okere, I note with optimism that you have commenced a consultation round with Diaspora Stakeholders. This can only mean that you have a desire to understand the Diaspora landscape, know the issues and challenges as well as the opportunities and prospects. This is normal approach. But not in Nigeria! Take it from a confirmed source that as basic as this gesture is, those before you have never taken off in this manner. In Nigeria, we are used to commending people for doing the job for which they are paid. I’m sure you don’t want me to do that. Instead let me congratulate you for a start on your new appointment.

I want this note to be as brief as possible. I will therefore be short on details and precise on facts but ready to engage further in areas requiring expatiation. To provide the basis for the dynamics that led us to where we are on Nigerian Diaspora affairs and to where we are going, I will crave your indulgence to precede it with a paintbrush of the Pre-2000 era.

Pre-2000 Era of Nigerian Diaspora Affairs

Historically, the first poll of Nigerian Diaspora left the shores of the country for study purposes. Vast majority returned; a few stayed back for family reasons, including marriage to host country nationals, raising a family, and career related matters. The initial poll of migration out of Nigeria was added to by the civil war induced migration, some forced, others sponsored again for study purposes. Return and remain pattern, post studies was same as the pioneer group. Forced migration linked to military misrule, economic hardship, could be considered as the third wave of Nigerian Diaspora build-up in Europe and the United States. This was underscored by Nigerian exiles, fugitives, refugees and asylum seekers.

The major take away from this Nigerian Diaspora era is that these sojourning citizens were loosely organised along ethnicity, political, and pressure group lines. There was no formal link with the Government of Nigeria. Understandly so because of the low trust level or complete absence of it. The infamous Umaru Dikko London abduction saga explains enough. 

Post-2000 Era

Following the return to civil rule after the 1999 elections, there was a realisation of the quantum and quality of Nigerian Diaspora across the globe. A major characteristic of the group is that they were still organised along ethnicity and interests. In itself, not a huge problem except that they were often in competition, not collaboration, with one another. There was also absence of a formal channel of communication with Government. Given the deep division within the Diaspora on how to be formally organised, the touring President-Elect, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, decided to have series of Millennial Assemblies of Nigerians in the Americas and in Europe on assumption of office. The two main questions to resolve were: should Government adopt / recognise a single existing organisation as the official partner of government on Diaspora affairs or make a clean start with a new entity? The verdict of the Conferences attended by thousands of Nigerians anxious for a reinvigorated engagement with fatherland was overwhelmingly to make a clean start. There lies the birth of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).

The challenges

The establishment of NIDO quickly threw up a few challenges, some of which are inevitable while others are man-manufactured and therefore avoidable.

For a start, some strong influential, perhaps recalcitrant voices against establishment of NIDO never gave up their opposition, despite the fact that the decision was a democratically and organically taken one. The NIDO opposition group was joined by some early NIDO enthusiasts who could not play the NIDO democratic politics, having gotten used to the partriarchic organising model prevalent in community organisations. They felt more comfortable opting out of NIDO to compete with it. Government officials and political office holders tasked with supporting NIDO or mandated to do so equally have pro-NIDO and anti-NIDO forces.

The most important conclusion to draw at this point is that the best performing Chapters of NIDO are in jurisdictions where there is a supportive Ambassador. Ukraine and later Switzerland  come to mind. NIDO is also known to have made the most progress in times when political office holders underwrite the notion of relating with NIDO as the official body and encouraging other groups to collaborate rather than compete with it. We must equally take something away from the fact that the passage of the Act for the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) into law (a Bill) took place during the 8th Assembly under a House Committee Chairman that honoured without reservation, government policy of establishing a formal channel of communication with the Diaspora through NIDO.

The elephant in the room 

I make bold to ask, Honourable Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, how do you wish to be remembered? This question is the elephant in the room. There are two broad  options open to you, organisationally and legislatively, if you ask me.

On the organisational side of the ledger, you could have your time in office be associated with an era in Nigerian history that got the Nigerian Diaspora equitably organised. Yes, NIDO is as of today the official representative of the Diaspora but who says that the representation as it is today is cast in concrete and can’t be reviewed and made more wholesome for Nigeria. I’m sure your round of consultations is giving you indications of necessary reforms. Is there a reason your time in office can’t be credited with transparently organising the Diaspora table boldly and audaciously? Yours must be an era when a political office holder is a Diaspora galvaniser rather than a champion of divide and rule. Your era could be one that sees an organised Diaspora population not as a threat to your personal ambitions but a value adding asset to Nigeria.

On the legislative side of the ledger, history beckons you my Honourable Chairman House Committee on Diaspora to end the current impunity and rascality whereby the Bill establishing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission stipulates that there shall be a Board with 12 Diaspora members yet four years since its establishment, no such Board exists. Maintaining a cordial working relationship with NIDCOM is absolutely desirable for your Committee but so too is a good relationship with the target group of the policy you are meant to provide oversight for. You must resist any attempt by any side of these entities to pitch you against the other. You need no permission from NIDO to relate with NIDCOM and vice versa. Your independence of mind and thought in the execution of your oversight function will be critical to your success as Chairman House Committee on Diaspora. 

Still on the legislative plank, I am aware that most people anchor their arguments for Diaspora Voting on the US$23 Billion (on the average) of annual Diaspora Remittances. While this is substantial, Diaspora remittance remains today a welfare, consumption capital. As House Chair you can change that into investment capital through bonds, infrastructure investment fund, and so forth. Beyond that, I happen to believe that the strongest argument for Diaspora Voting is that not making it happen is antithetical to democracy, if not an affront to the rule of law. Making it happen will equally help to unlock the hidden potentials for accelerating national development of Nigeria using the assets that the Diaspora brings to the table. Above all, history will have your name and those of your House Committee members engraved in gold if the 10th Assembly by your intentional leadership makes Diaspora Voting a reality.

Collins Nweke was Chief Executive of Nigerian Diaspora Organisation Europe prior to serving as Board Chairman 2011 – 2013. A current third term Green Municipal Legislator for Social Affairs at the Ostend City Council, Belgium, he is an Opinion Maker columnist of The Brussels Times and Foreign Policy Commentator / Global Affairs Analyst with a host of Afrocentric media houses. A Fellow & Vice President of the International Association of Research Scholars & Administrators, Collins is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria.

Where is the African Interests in the US-China Battle for Influence?


US Secretary Of State, Antony Blinken has been back in Africa since Sunday 21 January 2024, for a week visit. Nigeria is one of his four planned stops.

Key question in the lips of Africa watchers is if Blinken Africa shuttle diplomacy is out of love for Africa? I’d say Nope!👎🏾 It can only be out of protection of America’s interests & investments, obviously!👍🏾
And Africa’s interests? Who’s protecting those? Certainly not its leaders, if they even know what Africa’s interests are… that is! Except for a tiny few.

I had a short interaction with Television Continental TVC anchor, Precious Amayo, around how Nigeria could derive its best interests. I even attempted a couple of suggestions.

In doing so, I reminded myself of an ongoing conversation at a Think Tank I am associated with, People Expertise & Excellence Foundation (PEEF) under the leadership of Dr. MUSA RABIU, FCIPM about the prospect of Nigeria commencing manufacture of Military Hardware at its Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

I was quick to assert that in the battle between the US & China over influence in Africa, the continent ought not have a dog in that fight. There ought to be sufficient space for all in a potentially prosperous Africa. Not Turkey, not Russia and others with eyes on the raw materials, minerals, and young human capital of Africa, should be ignored.

African Governments, especially led by Nigeria, must undertake a value analysis to determine their advantageous positioning with the US & China, as both powers battle for influence over Africa.

Ajaokuta Steel Plant Nigeria in its planned commencement of manufacturing of Military Hardware for instance, could become an almost insatiable market for weapon spare parts for America’s weapon industry?

Just thinking aloud…🤔 in this interview on TVC