By Sam Onigbanjo
The recent “Liberation Day” announcement by the American President, Donald Trump, has reset the global investment conversation. With tariffs disrupting long-standing trade routes and a clear pivot away from China, there is now a unique opportunity for emerging markets to present themselves as viable alternatives. Nigeria must seize this moment with clarity, confidence and urgency.

First, Nigeria must position itself as the New Hub for Global Supply Chains. As U.S. firms begin to unwind their China dependencies, they will need fresh, stable and scalable options. Nigeria has the demographics, resources and regional influence to fill this space but that is only if we move quickly.

We need to expand and market our Special Economic Zones aggressively. Streamlining our export and customs processes will make us more attractive to manufacturers seeking to serve both African and Western markets. Therefore, our voice should be “Nigeria is open for smart, long-term business.”

Second, Nigeria should engage the U.S. directly and not through multilateral filters.
President Trump’s approach to trade is bilateral; that suits us. Nigeria should proactively initiate a direct economic partnership with the U.S., focusing on investment, infrastructure and job creation.

Let us look at expanding African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) or creating a new framework that is tailored to our current needs.
Our offer? A gateway to West Africa, talent-rich sectors and access to untapped markets. Their opportunity? A dependable ally, unburdened by China dependencies.

Third, there is need to reframe Nigeria’s global image. We do not need to be anti-China but we should be clearly pro-sovereignty. As capital shifts away from China, investors want to feel their money in a stable, forward-thinking country.

Nigeria should highlight areas where Western partnerships have succeeded. It should emphasise transparency, innovation and entrepreneurship – all areas that Nigeria is gaining ground.

Our story must be one of renewed focus, strategic alliances and domestic resilience.
Also, we should engage with higher intent, the Diaspora and align with Western capital. The country should pay attention to Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS). The eight edition of the summit holds in Abuja later in November.

It is very imperative at this time, to position Nigeria as a place where value-based capital can have long-term positive impact on education, agriculture, real estate and clean energy.

Let us tell the world that Nigeria is the freedom economy of Africa. We are not looking to replicate China or India; Nigeria is unique. We are young, innovative and resource-rich. We can rebound and reposition opportunities.
This is another opportunity to advance as a country.
Onigbanjo is an AI developer and Go To
Market Architect.