By Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,mti,UK’s European University: Global Political Strategy & Economic Analyst and Alumnus,University of Kent,UK can be reached abbatibako@gmail.com | August 2026
1. The Hard Truth
In the 21st century, nations are either at the table or on the menu. Sadly, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has moved from being Africa’s “giant” to becoming a global spectator.
We clap from the sidelines while other emerging nations write the rules of trade, economic interplay on science, technology, and geopolitics, especially China, India, Russia, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and others. They are preparing for the future of the world, especially AI, Robotics and building space stations. While Tinubu’s government only concerns how to win elections in 2027.
2. From “Giant of Africa” to audience members of the global political, economic and social development.
Let’s be honest about where we are:
1. Economically: While India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are signing trillion-dollar trade deals, Nigeria is begging for forex and fighting inflation and insecurity. Our GDP is shrinking in dollars, our naira is weak, and investors are asking: “Is Nigeria investable?”
2. Diplomatically: ECOWAS is divided. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left. Meanwhile, Rwanda and Kenya are leading peace talks and climate summits. Where is Nigeria’s voice? Is Nigeria’s government not a spectator in the Globalization Policy Bandwagon? The world will not wait for Nigeria or any economic emerging nation.
3. Technologically: South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya are hubs for fintech and AI. Nigeria has the talent, MashaAllah, but we export our best brains instead of building the ecosystem at home to make our citizens proud. Nigeria a big and beautiful country with about 2 and ½% of the global population, has been left in a station and not knowing what to do next.
4. Energy: We have oil and gas, but we import fuel. Dangote Refinery should have made us an exporter. Instead, policy summersaults keep us dependent. Hence, Aliko Dangote refinery please take a little patience for Atiku Abubakar’s policy on oil subsidies is on the way soonest. Insha’Allah! A player sets the agenda based on serialised strategic plans while a spectator always reacts to it.
3. Why Did We Become Spectators?
This is not about one man. It’s about 3 failures:
1. Policy Inconsistency: One day subsidy is gone, next day we’re discussing bringing it back. Investors (Foreign Direct Investment FDI) investors hate uncertainty anywhere in the world.
2. Domestic Distractions: Legal battles abroad, political fights at home, and 2027 campaigns have started too early. Governance is heavily suffering.
3. No Clear Global Vision: What is “Tinubunomics” on the world stage? Brazil has agro. UAE has logistics. China dominated Robotics/AI. Singapore has finance. What is Nigeria selling to the world beyond crude oil? The Netherlands with the population of only 17m, generates about $110B annually on agrarian economy. Saudi Arabia, with 39m population and the third largest oil producer in the world but depends on only 74% on crude oil and gas but the remaining 26% has been on tourism, gold and other minerals.
4. Other Emerging Nations Show Nigeria the Way Out to Economic Progress:
Countries and What They Did:
India Invested in tech, manufacturing, global diplomacy they are now among 10 largest economies and among G20 nations.
UAE: Diversified from oil to aviation, finance, tourism and Global Hub, Attracts $30bn FDI yearly.
Indonesia Removed subsidy, built infrastructure, export-led growth Joined BRICS talks, and now have stable currency.
They chose to play. Nigeria chose to watch.
5. How Nigeria Can Become a Player Again:
Your Excellencies, it is not too late. To move from spectator to player, we need:
1. Economic Sovereignty:
Make Dangote, Port Harcourt, and modular refineries work. Stop importing what we can produce.
2. Diplomatic Leadership:
Rebuild ECOWAS. Lead on Sahel security, climate, and African trade under AfCFTA.
3. Talent Retention: Create a “Nigerian Silicon Valley”. Our youths are winning globally. Bring them home with policy.
4. One Clear Story:
Nigeria = Energy + Agriculture + Tech + Culture. Package it and sell it at Davos, COP, and UNGA.
Conclusion:
The Choice Before Us:
Mr. President, history will not remember press conferences. It will remember decisions.
Nigeria has 240 million people, oil, gas, minerals, music, and the most hardworking youth on earth. We have no reason to be spectators. Hence, Nigeria must be active in global political, economic and social activities.
Dr. Abbati Bako,Global Political Strategist and Analyst abbatibako@gmail.com
