Scholars and foreign policy experts have emphasised the need for the country to leverage its diversity and democratic values to strengthen its global influence and leadership role in Africa.

The scholars spoke at The Nigeria @ 65 International Conference organised by the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU), themed ‘Diversity, Democracy and International Relations’ in Lagos.

Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said Nigeria’s management of diversity has remained a cornerstone of its national stability and a model worthy of global study.

“There is a key thread tying all of those three together. Diversity describes the objective conditions of our domestic politics. We have managed diversity so well so far, and the world has a lot to learn from Nigeria in the management of diversity,” he said.

He added that democracy remains central to Nigeria’s foreign policy identity. “We are Africa’s biggest democracy and a confident nation. The world acknowledges Nigeria as a clear leader, not just in West Africa but globally,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s evolution, Osaghae noted that the country has demonstrated resilience in navigating both domestic and international pressures.

“The journey of a country is not one that is decided once and for all. You continue to make progress and adapt as new challenges emerge,” he stated.

Also speaking, a professor of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, Bayo Adekanye, said Nigeria’s reform efforts since 1999 have faced resistance from entrenched interests, including sections of the political elite, the military, and economic profiteers.

“The northern oligarchs and some within the military who benefitted from the old order are unhappy with decentralisation and subsidy reforms. But pro-democracy groups, civil society, and reform-minded officers are supportive of decentralisation and civil governance.”

He stressed that ongoing policy reforms, including those aimed at restructuring the federal system and reducing economic distortions, are vital for sustaining democratic governance.

“At the end of the day, the question is where the balance tilts, whether towards progressive reform or resistance from vested interests,” he added.

Acting Head, Department of Political Science, LASU, Dr. Abdul-Wasi Moshood, said the symposium was conceived to promote national reflection and policy dialogue.

According to him, the event forms part of efforts to reinvigorate academic discourse on Nigeria’s democratic and developmental trajectory.

“We need to look at how democracy has evolved since 1999 and how the country’s diversity has shaped that process,” he said.

Moshood added that no nation exists in isolation, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s international engagements in shaping domestic progress.

“Our focus should always be on what we contribute to the development trajectory of the state, and international discourse is critical to achieving that,” he said.