…As Tinubu Reasserts Nigeria’s Leadership On The African Continent
President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic outreach to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has sent a strong signal that Nigeria is ready to reassert its position as a leader on the African continent. The visits, which took place in quick succession, demonstrate the country’s willingness to engage with other nations to promote regional cooperation and development.
In Abu Dhabi, Tinubu participated in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) where he presented proposals to his UAE counterpart, resulting in a framework for new investments worth billions of dollars in multiple sectors, including defense and agriculture. This development is a testament to President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive, which aims to attract investments and promote sustainable growth in Nigeria.
The framework for new investments agreed upon during Tinubu’s visit to Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s economic development. The investments, which are expected to flow into Nigeria in the coming months, will have a positive impact on the country’s economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth.
Despite this efforts to transform the nation, I heard a former Senator and governor asking President Tinubu to stay away from the affairs of his state. Curiously, this same politician has court order restraining EFCC from arresting him.
As very concerned citizen, I join other well-meaning Nigerians to beg President Tinubu, for the sake of Almighty God, to recover all the stolen funds, including N1 trillion anchor borrowers funds, the $16 billion power project funds, $500 milion cassava bread funds, $443 million CCTV funds, and $2.2 billion arms funds,100billion stoves, among others.
All looted public funds should be recovered to avoid financing terrorism and creating tension in the country. These set of politicians are planning to use these stolen funds to disrupt governance and the nation’s hard-earbed democracy since they are all aware that President Tinubu has already paved his way for 2027 and would definitely get the full support of Nigerians.
His visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on January 27-28, 2025, further solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and energy development. The summit provides a platform for African leaders to discuss energy challenges and opportunities, and Tinubu’s presence underscores Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with other nations to address common challenges.
The Africa Heads of State Energy Summit is a critical platform for African leaders to discuss energy challenges and opportunities. The summit provides a unique opportunity for leaders to share experiences, discuss best practices, and identify solutions to common energy challenges. Tinubu’s participation in the summit demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and energy development.
Nigeria’s participation in regional summits and events, such as the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, highlights the country’s commitment to collaborating with other nations to address common challenges and promote sustainable development. This regional cooperation is essential for addressing issues such as energy security, climate change, and economic development.
Regional cooperation is critical for addressing common challenges and promoting sustainable development in Africa. By working together, African nations can share experiences, discuss best practices, and identify solutions to common challenges. Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation demonstrates the country’s willingness to work with other nations to promote sustainable development and address common challenges.
The success of President Tinubu’s diplomatic outreach to Abu Dhabi and Dar es Salaam demonstrates the effectiveness of his economic drive. The investments agreed upon during the visits will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth. Additionally, the country’s participation in regional summits and events highlights its commitment to regional cooperation and energy development.
A poignant observation shows that indeed, Nigeria’s influence on the continent began to wane due to the failure of subsequent leaders to grasp the significance of Nigeria’s role in Africa. The country’s potential as a continental leader was not fully harnessed, and its influence began to decline.
Several factors contributed to this decline. One major reason was the lack of a clear and cohesive foreign policy strategy that prioritized Africa. Subsequent leaders failed to build on the foundation laid by Nigeria’s early leaders, who had envisioned the country as a champion of African unity and development.
Another factor was the country’s internal challenges, including political instability, economic mismanagement, and corruption. These issues distracted from Nigeria’s role as a continental leader and undermined its ability to project influence beyond its borders.
Furthermore, the rise of other African powers, such as South Africa and Egypt, challenged Nigeria’s dominance on the continent. These countries began to assert their own influence, and Nigeria struggled to adapt to the changing landscape.
However, with the current administration’s renewed focus on African diplomacy and cooperation, there is a sense of optimism that Nigeria can reclaim its position as a continental leader. The country’s recent efforts to strengthen ties with other African nations, promote regional integration, and address common challenges such as security and economic development are steps in the right direction.
As Nigeria seeks to reassert its influence on the continent, it is essential that its leaders recognize the nexus between Nigeria and Africa. By prioritizing African diplomacy, promoting regional cooperation, and addressing internal challenges, Nigeria can reclaim its position as a champion of African unity and development.
Nigeria’s leadership of Africa from its independence in 1960 has been a remarkable journey. At the forefront of this journey was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the country’s first president, who played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule ¹.
As a key figure in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), Azikiwe advocated for Nigerian independence. Upon becoming president in 1963, he worked tirelessly to promote national unity and development.
Following Azikiwe’s presidency, Nigeria experienced a series of military coups, with leaders like General Yakubu Gowon and General Olusegun Obasanjo playing crucial roles in shaping the country’s history. Gowon led the country through the Nigerian Civil War, while Obasanjo oversaw the transition to civilian rule in 1979.
In the 1990s, Nigeria’s leadership continued to evolve, with General Sani Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar contributing to the country’s complex political landscape. Abubakar’s regime marked a significant turning point, as he oversaw the transition to civilian rule in 1999.
In recent years, Nigeria has continued to play a vital role in African leadership, with presidents like Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Muhammadu Buhari contributing to regional and global affairs. The current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to continue this legacy.
Throughout its history, Nigeria’s leadership has been marked by periods of military rule, democratic transitions, and a commitment to African development. As the country continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember the legacy of its past leaders and their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and African leadership.
This is exactly what President Tinubu is doing. As Nigeria continues to engage with other nations, it is likely that the country will reap significant benefits in terms of investments, economic growth, and regional influence. Tinubu’s diplomatic outreach to these nations demonstrates the country’s willingness to work with other countries to promote sustainable development and address common challenges.