Get Guardian on GoogleA former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has called on Nigerians to demand leadership that is capable of restoring the country’s influence and standing in international affairs.
He, however, lamented Nigeria’s failure to translate its population, natural resources and strategic geographical position into global relevance.
Agbakoba said that the country’s declining ability to command international respect and influence should concern every Nigerian, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The legal luminary, while speaking in a video chat posted on his X handle, said that Nigeria’s enormous natural and geographical advantages had not translated into meaningful influence in international affairs.
He said the country’s population, natural resources, strategic location and access to the Atlantic Ocean should ordinarily give it considerable leverage in global affairs.
According to him, these advantages have yet to produce the international recognition and influence expected of Nigeria’s standing.
Agbakoba noted that countries with fewer geographical and economic advantages were finding ways to assert themselves and influence international conversations, raising questions about the factors limiting Nigeria’s ability to do the same.
He maintained that population size and natural wealth alone could not guarantee international respect, saying that global influence was built through purposeful leadership and others.
The former NBA President said that individuals must understand the relationship between domestic governance and developments beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He, however, identified economic interests, maritime resources, diplomatic relationships and security priorities as areas requiring a broader understanding of international developments.
