Shouldn't Nigeria Rethink Its Place Now As the World Repositions?

As the World Repositions, Nigeria Must Rethink Its Place

-EDITORIAL-

In the early hours of Wednesday, the global political landscape shifted in ways that demand Nigeria’s attention, not just as a regional power, but as a nation with growing diplomatic ambition. From Berlin to Alaska, decisions were made that will echo across continents, and if Nigeria listens closely, it may find both warning signs and opportunities.

Germany’s Moral Stand: A Lesson in Ethical Diplomacy

Germany’s suspension of military exports to Israel marks a rare moment when a Western power prioritizes humanitarian concerns over strategic alliances. The move, prompted by Israel’s intensifying offensive in Gaza, signals a growing discomfort in Europe with unchecked military aggression.

For Nigeria, this is more than a headline, it’s a mirror. As we continue our own counterinsurgency efforts and navigate complex security challenges, Germany’s decision reminds us that military strength must be tempered by moral clarity. Civil society in Nigeria has long called for greater transparency in defense spending and accountability in conflict zones. Perhaps now is the time to listen.

Trump’s Peace Deal: Infrastructure as Diplomacy

In Washington, former President Donald Trump brokered a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, unlocking a new transit corridor dubbed the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.” While the name may be theatrical, the implications are serious: the U.S. now holds exclusive development rights in a region long dominated by Russian influence.

Nigeria should take note. The TRIPP corridor offers a blueprint for infrastructure diplomacy, foreign-funded projects built under local law, serving both economic and strategic goals. With our own ambitions for railways, ports, and energy corridors, Nigeria could attract similar investment by positioning itself as a stable, rules-based partner in West Africa.

Ukraine’s Exclusion: A Cautionary Tale

Meanwhile, in Alaska, Trump and Putin met to discuss peace in Ukraine, without Ukraine. President Zelenskyy’s exclusion from the summit is a troubling precedent. It suggests that great powers may negotiate over smaller nations without their consent, a dynamic that Africa knows all too well.

Nigeria must push back against this model. As a leading voice in ECOWAS and the African Union, we should champion inclusive diplomacy, ensuring that no nation is sidelined in decisions that affect its sovereignty. Our own regional conflicts, from the Sahel to the Niger Delta, require solutions that involve all stakeholders, not just the most powerful.

Oil, Trade, and the Nigerian Economy

The prospect of peace in Ukraine has already nudged global oil prices downward. For Nigeria, this could mean tighter budgets and slower growth. At the same time, Trump’s 15% tariff on Nigerian imports signals a cooling of U.S.–Nigeria trade relations.

This is a wake-up call. Nigeria must diversify its trade partners, deepen ties with the EU, China, and fellow African nations, and reduce its dependence on oil. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a path forward, if we’re bold enough to take it.

A New Role for Nigeria

The world is repositioning. Germany is redefining its moral compass. The U.S. is using infrastructure to assert influence. Russia is seeking relevance through backdoor diplomacy. In this shifting terrain, Nigeria must ask: What role do we want to play?

We can be a mediator, a builder, a voice for justice. But only if we act with vision, courage, and clarity. The time to rethink our place in the world is now.